Unboxing June 2015

It's that time again when I get to unbox my three subs and compare them.

First up, The Test Box June

This month's box focused on protecting coloured hair, and we recieved the following 100ml bottles Paul Mitchel from the colour protect range, 

Shampoo- R75 - mild and gentle enough for daily use and has a nice fresh scent.

Conditioner- R95 - will protect hair against sun damage and detangles at the same time.

Colour Locking Spray- R104 - with sunflower extract locks colour in and protects against the sun.

Total value of this box is R275. 

Next up is the June Beautique Box, I didn't recieved last month's box as Rubybox had a system issue. All Rubies were debited one last time on the 15th and this will be the last boxes Rubybox will be sending out. A pity as they had some nice boxes over the years.

I Received three sample size products and one full in this box

John Frieda Full Repair Root Lift Foam 200ml -R104

Africology anti aging SOD spray 25ml - R100-

Kerastase Elixer K Ultime Sublime Cleansing Shampoo 30ml - R33-

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide lift and firm Day Cream 30ml - R387 

This box did not really impress me compared to past Beautique Boxs total value of this box is R624 I have to add that the Elizabeth Arden full size product is 50ml so a 30ml bottle is very generous. 

This month's Retail box Was the Secret Box 12 and sold for R190 plus R50 for delivery.

The Secret Box 12 had three Full size products from Schwarzkopf BonaCure hair therapy.

Oil Miracle Barbary Fig oil and Keratin Restorative shampoo 200ml - R190- a clear purple shampoo that is very thick and creates a rich creamy lather and the smallest amount goes a very long way. I used a R5 coin size amount and it was way too much. It left my hair clean but not all dry feeling and I could have gotten away without any sort of conditioner. 

Oil Miracle Barbary Fig oil and Keratin Restorative Conditioning Milk 150ml - R190 -

A leave in conditioner for very dry and brittle hair. Just a few sprays is enough as the shampoo does not leave hair striped.  After shampooing, I towel dried my hair and sprayed in four spritzers and then combed out the knots with my basin comb. My hair felt good at this point but I like just a tad more moisture and silkiness to my hair which i achieve with an oil.

Oil Miracle Barbary Fig oil and Keratin Restorative Treatment 100ml - R240 -

A clear and very viscose treatment for dry and brittle hair. After using my basin comb I dispensed two drops to my palm and heated it up by rubbing my hands together and then I run my hands through my hair starting at mid length working down to the ends and then from the scalp using whatever product is still on my hands. I don't like to put and lot of oil near my roots. This oil really made my hair feel great, and price wise it is well worth it. My split ends felt good and my hair was super shiny without build up and didn't look oily at all even after three days. 

I am so hoarding these three products as I love the way they make my hair feel. Total value of this box was R620 that's a huge saving.  The Secret Box is fast becoming a favourite of mine and was definitely my favourite box this month.

Ciao, PHOENIX

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Unboxing May 2015

I have decided to do my unboxing of The Test Box, Beautique Box and Secret Box in one blog post.

First up The Test Box May. The first two editions of The Test Box were excellent and well worth their value. 

May's Test Box features a brand I have been wanting to try recently but couldn't see myself parting with over R399 a bottle in case I didn't like it.

Subscribers recieved three items this month all of which are deluxe sample size.

First off is beautiful candle that doubles up as a rich moisturizer perfect for the dry winter months coming up. I estimate the shot glass is about 50ml of product and I value it at R40.

Then there is a Kevin Murphy Plumping wash 40ml (R65-) It is a densifying shampoo for thinning hair. 

To go with the wash is a Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse 40ml (R65-) This is from the same range and is a densifying conditioner for thinning hair. 

You can read more about the technical aspect of Kevin Murphy here 

http://www.thetestbox.co.za/plump-it-up/ 

Total value of this box is R170- I was a bit disappointed at the value of this month's box as the Cost of this box is R160- monthly(including delivery). Past items from this box were all 100ml bottles which are more travel size than sample size and I could really get value out of them as 100ml would allow me to really test the product before I decided to buy. I am happy that they sent a deluxe sample size(versus tiny sample sachets which i hate) but not sure how many washes I will get out of 40ml(this particular brand is high end with a full sixe going for R410- for 250ml)The bottles are really cute though and very easily refilled due to the large opening,  so ideal for a weekend away. So far you can buy the March/April/May box on their own but I'm not sure how long it will be available. 

Next up we have the April Beautique Box by Rubybox. This box is also a subscription box and costs R349- monthly(including delivery) and they promise to send High end luxury products only. My payment goes off on the first of every month but for some reason my box only gets delivered around the 20th of the month. 

Rubybox is the only one of the three that have you fill out a survey so they can personalise your box every month based on your preferences,  age, skin tone and what products you don't use. This month's box contained Four item's,  two full size and two deluxe sample size.

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First up Yves Rocher comme une Evidence, L'Eau de Parfum 7,5ml luxe sample (R66-) it's a very fresh light scent that is perfect for day time. Containing notes of jasmine, rose, and wild lily among others.

Forever Beautiful Lipobelle Soyaglycone serum 5ml (R120) is an anti aging skin conditioner and hormonal repair for skin affected by menapause. *This product really does not suit me and does not reflect my profile at all. I would have loved if they had sent me the Perfection Peptide P3 instead as that would have really worked for my skin. 

Not included in the picture as my little one got hold of it was a three pack Invisibobble hair bands (R80)

Lastly in this box was a Stila Custom Colour Blush in Self Adjusting Pink. Full size product at 5g (R250) Stila is one of my favourite brands and I love recieving their items. Even though it looks super pink in the compact it blends really well and gives a natural looking blush to my cheeks, and I can build up the colour if want to. I sort of stay away from pink blushes as I was always scared they would not look good with my Indian skin tone but this product has converted me. It actually looks better than the coral peachy tones I normally use so I am very happy they took me a little out of my comfort zone with this colour choice

Total value of the Beautique Box this month was R516- which is a saving of R167.  I would have really loved this box if they had sent me the Forever Beautiful serum that suited my skin instead of just throwing one into the box. This was only box of the three that contained a make up item and I am happy that they sent a full size item. To me this was the first box that really played up to the concept as I got to try a shade I would never ever have bought for myself and realised that it does work for me. 

Next up is the Secret Box 11 by retail box. This box is not a subscription box but rather they release a box mostly monthly with a limited number available for purchase. You have an option of collecting your box or paying to have it delivered and they deliver within two days of receiving payment. The price of the box changes with each box and they do give a little teaser description each month. This month's said:

"Secret Box 11 contains a nifty grooming tool plus gives you the chance to sample one of our newest brands" 

*taken off Retail Box Website*

The Secret Box 11 sold for R169- excluding delivery. 

The box contained the latest additions to their online store,

 Label.M Intensive Repair Shampoo 60ml (R62-) formulated to repair all the layers of seriously damaged hair using soya - oat amino complex and enviroshield complex to protect hair from further damage from heat styling and the sun. The scent of this shampoo is sweet and for some reason reminds me of something from my toddler days but I can't seem to remember exactky what (It does seem to evoke in me something happy and I have been caught by daughters a few times already with my eyes closed and nose trying to find its way into the bottle LOL)

Also included is the Label.M Intensive Repair Conditioner 60ml (R76-) a very thick rich conditioner with a more subtle version of the same scent as the shampoo. Formulated with the same soya - oat amino complex and enviroshield it really does intensively condition the hair. All you have to do is apply it to your hair and comb through, if you want a more intensive repair you just have to leave it on for 60 seconds.  Your hair will thank you esp if like me your hair has been damaged by highlights and constant use of a styling iron. My hair is softer but that can be achieved with other products, what sets this aside for me is that visibly my hair looks much better, my split ends are not as put there if you kniw what I mean.just note that a little goes a very long way and you don't want to over load your hair with protein so use sparingly.  I took about 5ml out and mixed it with 5ml of water and then spread that through my bum length hair from about 2cm away from my scalp and then combed it through to my tips. As I combed the product spread to scalp as well and I found it moisturized the skin on my head very nicely which is a nice bonus.

Next up was a single Invisibobble (R26-)

Then there was a Pocket Brush by Kent

 (R149-) made from Natural Bristle and Nylon and is ideal for short and shoulder length hair so this little baby is perfect for my little ones. The Beechwood handle is just the perfect aize for little hands and the added Penetron(Kent brushes that have a single quil of nylon running up through each group of bristle and the nylon quill is slightly longer then the surrounding natural bristles)  encourage brushing right down to the scalp, claiming to clean, stimulate, and condition the hair. I find that it does help on spreading the natural hair oils from the scalp down the shaft of their hair and the massage effect will definately encourage healthy hair growth over a period of time. To be honest though they will only use this brush to massage and create shine on their hair AFTER using the Tangle Teezer to remove the knots first. That is fine by me though, as this little tool really does make their shiny and glossy but is not the best at tackling how knotty their hair gets after playing the whole day.

Lastly and in my opinion the best item in this box was a La Tweeze Pro Illuminating Tweezer with a price tag of R250- 

This salon approved award winning tweezer is crafted from the finest stainless steel and has perfectly aligned hand filed tips. Get this.....The La Tweez Pro Illuminating Tweezer has a single powerful LED which gives highest visibility for the ultimate control. The ergonomic design of this tweezer makes it easy and comfortable to use while garenteeing to tweeze. The thing I think is most useful after the LED light is that the light will switch off automatically after 7min which serves two purposes,  it saves my battery life if I forget to switch it off but more importantly in reminds me not to over-tweeze,  a sin I am all to often guilty of. I also think that this is the ideal tweezer to have in a first aid kit as the LED light will help immensely in removing those pesky so-tiny-they-are-practically-invisible splinters that kids always seem to pick up, no more struggling to find find that little splinter by feel, the ultra bright LED light will leave that bugger no shadows to hide in. The La Tweez Pro Illuminating Tweezer comes with a handy and stylish lipstick-like case with a magnifying mirror and perfectly houses your precious tweezer safely.

This case will ensure that when not in use your tweezer stays clean and wont get damaged even when travelling and makes it super easy to find in your handbag.

*(just a side note, my tweezer was damaged when I recieved it but they have seny me a replacement one)*

So value wise the Secret Box is the obvious winner coming in with a combined value of R563-, yes you read that correctly Five Hundred and Sixty Three Rands. At just R169- I wish all boxes were as good as this one, my only regret is that I didn't two or three of the Secret Box 11, these babies sold out quickly and I hope that they decide to restock it as I will definitely be buying if they do.

Which box is the best? Which one did you get this month and which box/es do you feel are value for our moolla? What sort of items would you like to see in future beauty boxes? 

Remember to pop over to my facebook page for a chance to win a hamper worth R2000+ containing some of my fav items from 2014.

Ciao, PHOENIX. 

March Unboxing. Rubybox and Beautique Box

This month's offerings from Rubybox were "OK" nothing that has me very exited but items that are value for the price of the box.

The Rubybox Surprise box has one item that I see myself using

*A voucher for R50 off any Take Charge clutch or IPad sleeve. Take Charge is a genuine leather collection proudly made in SA. They are enhanced with built in chargers to extend the life of your smart phone or tablet.

*Mr Bean Coffee scrub 10g worth R15.90

Containing Organic Cacao, Vitamin E,  Coconut oil, and Himalayan Rock Salt. I didn't get to really test this out as because it has coconut oil in the name I assumed it was a wet scrub and when I opened it half of the DRY scrub fell out.  Then when I used it in the shower most of the granules fell onto the shower floor as there was nothing to really bind them together. 

*Labello Lip Butter worth R30

I really like the old fashion tin this product comes packaged in. There isn't really a scent to speak of when I opened and applied this balm. It is very smooth and leaves lips hydrated but personally for me I prefer my lip balms in a stick form as then I don't have to apply with my fingers. My daughter has happily claimed this item and she adores it.

*Piz Buin Active Long Lasting Lotion 150ml worth about R99.99

UVA and UVB Protection with Helion lex and an SPF 15. The formula is water resistant and feels light and applies smoothly onto the skin. It is recommended to apply 3 tablespoons to cover the full body for adequate protection riot and to reapply after swimming,  excessive sweating or towel drying. 

*Rubybox Moods perfume in Vengeance worth R149. 95

opening with notes of Litchee,  kiwi and Apricot followed by orchid and jasmine with base notes of honey, iris root and walking in the woods. A very fresh and uplifting scent that is the perfect size to fit into any purse, This is the item I can see myself using on a regular basis, in fact it has already gone into my handbag. 

All in all the surprise box was worth around R295 which is value for a box priced at R160.

Onto the Beautique Box, which has one item that I adore and another I can see myself using over the next few months. The luxury box this month contained THREE full size items and one trial size.

*Morroconoil original treatment 10ml worth R47

This is the best product you will ever use on your hair. My personal favourite from the whole box. It leaves hair smooth,  soft and so silky that knots just comb out easily. Two to three drops is enough to treat my Bum length hair and one drop works wonders on my two daughters hair. No more screaming and crying when they have to brush their hair. I love getting these little bottles as they are perfect for when I am travelling and even though they are little they last me a long time as I only use a teeny amount after washing and towel drying my hair. It cuts down on drying time and also makes my hair more manageable to be styled.

*Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum 15ml which is Full Size worth R229. 95

this serum contains Olays exclusive amino-peptide complex and claims to replenish skin moisture barrier, regenerate the skin surface apearance, smooth brighten the eye contour appearance by reducing wrikles and firm the skin around the delicate eye area. I will give this serum a try and let you know how it is.

*Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Who's That Girls 15ml which is a Full Size and worth R109. 95

It's a very glittery purple with gold hues glossy nail enamel. It claims to be long lasting and go on smoothly. I don't use nail polish at all, which is in my profile that Rubybox asks all Rubies to complete to ensure that your box is tailored to your needs so not sure exactly how this little treat made its way into my box. It will be going into my competition hamper so some lucky lady will get to treat her nails soon.

*Bioderma Photoderm Anti-Age Sunscreen SPF 30, 30ml again a Full Size product worth R199.95

A dermatologist recommended range provides protection from UVA and UVB rays for sensitive skin, while also giving a smoothing anti - wrinkle effect and limiting the formation of pigment marks at the same time. It is non-comedogenic which means it will not cause acne, hypoallergenic and excellently tolerated. It melts totally into my skin, and once I rubbed it in can not be seen at all, I really hate the blue or white tinge I have had with other brands of sunblock so this is a huge plus for me.  It also does not leave any sort of oily feeling on my skin after application.  The two downs for me is that it is fragrances though I haven't had a reaction to it, I prefer for my face products to be fragrance free, why add ingrediants is they are not necessary that said the scent is pleasant though when applying a decent ammount does sort of linger in my nostrils.  The other issue I have is it has a loooong ingrediants list including methylparaben,  propylparaben and ethylparaben,  that's three parabens and it doesn't not include any sort of physical sun barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which create a barrier over the skin, that means that it is a purely chemical sunscreen containing no less than 34 ingrediants with alcohol appearing at least twice in that list. I will be using this as a body sunscreen as it does give decent sun protection, but for my sensitive face I look for a combination chemical/physical sunscreen with minimum ingrediants and no aditional fragrances or purfume. 

All in all the Beautique Box was worth around R585 which is great value for a box costing R345.  I received a few products I have never used before, and doubt I would ever buy to try myself so I will have fun testing them out even if I don't intend to use them on a permanent basis. 

Sorry for the long post, next month I will do each box in a separate blog.

What did you receive in your Boxes?  Which box do you feel is worth it? What is your favourite beauty box company,  Rubybox? Testbox? Secret box?  Or the beautique box?

CIAO

PHOENIX

The Test Box Launch and March Unboxing

With all the sample boxes available on the market, today I would like to introduce you to the newest one, The Test Box. There was a lot of talk in the late part of last year introducing us to The Test Box, and finally in January this year we could sign up. When I signed up I was sent an email with a debit order authorisation,  which was quick and easy to fill out, which I completed and sent back. I sort of forgot about it afterwards until I recieved an email on the 26 of Feb to remind me that my debit would run on the 2nd of march, and if I had any queries to contact Mike directly. I was so totally impressed with this. My debit order went off promptly on the 2nd.

There was a little glitch with my delivery, so my box only arrived on Friday. Mike was on the ball though, and garentee that it would arrive on time next month, he also stayed in contact with me via email throughout the week and kept me updated.

The Test Box differs from other beauty boxes on the market as they promise that NO sachets will make it into the box. Only proper trial size samples of High end products that can not be bought in your average store will be included in The Test Box. I personally like this concept, I would not really buy a full size of a product that I cannot be sure will actually work for me. This way I get to test out and try high end, expensive products and see which ones I really like and then decide which of the full size products to spend my bucks on..

Onto the actual box.....

As this was their Launch edition I had super high expectations,  I recieved the following in my box, 

The box contained Products from Joico K-pak range which is a hero for damaged hair. With revolutionary Bio Advanced Peptides and Quadramine complexes. These powerful reconstructive technologies work in synergy to repair and strengthen hair where it needs ot, when it needs it.

*100ml Joico K-Pak shampoo

(R120)

perfect for all hair types with a very rich cream like consistentcy. A very clean and fresh scent that does not overwhelm. This shampoo turns cleansing my hair into the first step of an actual treatment in reconstruction by restoring hair to its original condition and strengthen the hair while also giving it a measure of protection  against further damage. Wheatgerm your hair is damaged by excessive heat styling or chemical damage, the formula claims to fill lost amino acids, thereby restoring elasticity, strength and shine. Contains Aloe, Keratin, Vitamin E, and Silicone. A little of this shampoo goes a very long way, I used a 5 rand coin amount for my bum length hair and did a double wash, the second wash foamed up alot mire than the first and left my hair feeling clean but not stripped.

*100ml Joico K-Pak Conditioner

( R125)

again suitable for all hair types,  with a very fresh and simple scent. It claims to  lock in moisture, seal the repaired cuticle, and deliver intense shine and smoothness to your newly repaired hair. This conditioner spread very easily and claims to go straight to the damaged areas of the hair filling it with moisture, strength and silkiness. It is a very creamy and rich formula, which surprisingly did not weigh down my hair,  but still left it nourished and the tangles combed out easily. I used a golf ball size amount for my bum length hair and found that next time a little less will suffice very well. 

*Double Dipped Wide Tooth Comb

(R45)

A perfect companion for this range, I used it to comb the conditioner through my hair, when used on my wet hair it did not pull or break my hair, and tackled the knots efficiently in around two and a half minutes, after rinsing and towel drying my hair was much easier to manage than normal and took less than half the time as normal to brush out.

All in all I like this box, I especially like that the samples are 100ml so I can actually test the product well and see if it works for me.

(picture below to show size of bottle on comparison to my hand)

After using the products in this box I allowed my hair to dry naturally and it did look noticeably shinier and felt softer to the touch than it normally does. To let you guys in on a little something,  I will be keeping these two products till next month. WHY??

 the release is a two part unveiling with the second instalment coming in April, with more products from the range. So I will be keeping these two until then so I can try the range all at the same time and see how it works for my hair altogether.  I wash my hair twice a week, so I estimate the 100ml bottles should last me around four weeks.  Full sizes of these products are available on the THE TEST BOX website at a price of

 R245 for a 300ml shampoo 

 R250 for a 300ml conditioner.

If you missed the launch and would like to sign up, head over to the site and do so. The subscription costs R160 per month and you can sign up for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

If you are worried about the fact that it is two part release...... don't be, they have generously made the launch box available for you to add to your order when you sign up, that way you will get both this box and the April box together.

What do you think?  Is The Test Box the new best box on the beauty box scene?

CIAO

PHOENIX

Secret box 10

Hi everyone.

With all the boxes on the market today it's hard to make a choice which one to sign up for.

Retail box has brought us a great solution. Every month they bring out a Secret box and give clues as to what will be inside without giving the whole game away. Each months box is priced differently but definitely worth the price as the products are generally worth double the price or more.
You can opt to have yours delivered to your door for R50 or you can pick it up at one of their many stores around SA.

I got sent the Secret Box 10 which cost R199 this month.

Inside:

Nioxin Hair System Kit  3 containing 

Cleanser (150ml) 

Conditioner (150ml)

Scalp Treatment (50ml)

And a beautiful wooden paddle brush

The Nioxin is valued at R536 and the brush I would value at around R175

So all in all the value of this box is over R700. 

Personally my nioxin kit will be going to the hubby  as thankfully I don't have a problem with thinning hair. This particular kit is number 3 and is for normal to thin looking chemically treated hair. 

I do however really like the paddle brush. It is quite solid with firm bristles and I like the fact it's made out of wood.

Which is your favourite of the surprise boxes?

Will be doing reviews on the new Test Box and March Beautique box as soon as they arrive.

Should I a do a comparison perhaps?

Ciao, Phoenix

Beautique box january

Sorry for the late post,  things have been a bit hectic.
On to my box

I recieved
2× clarins hydra quench sachet samples
1× reference of swedan argan oil 10ml
1× Vicks liftActiv Night cream 15ml
1× Yves Roche so purple purfume 30ml

Really love the Parfum in this box, it's sweet and sugary and a very happy fragrance which I think will now be a staple in my collection.

Ciao
Phoenix

Simply clean by skinceuticals

The first step in my evening routine is a foaming cleanser which I use with my clarisonic face brush for best results.
I personally prefer a foaming cleanser for evening use to get rid of the days muck, grime, build up which includes sunblock, make up, and environmental yukkies.

This foaming cleanser,  cleanses exfoliates and smoothes my skin in one simple daily step

Containing camomile for its anti inflammatory properties,  to calm and soothe,
Aloe to smooth and soften and a
Blend of 5 fruit acids to get rid of dead skin cells. It is ideal for normal, combination or oily skin types, with scars or any sort of discoloration.

I start by washing my hands with soap and water then wet ny face and my clarisonic  I then use half a pump into my palm and add a few drops of water to it and lather it uo between my hands before applying it to my face in gently circular motions for about a minute. I then use my wet clarisonic on low setting for another minute before rinsing well with cold water.
This cleanser leaves my skin feeling totally clean and taut but not stripped or dry at all, which is what most cleansers left me feeling in the past. It also leaves my skin feeling soft with a nice glow and a little pinkness because of the clarisonic. It has a very mild orange peel scent with disappears after about ten seconds.

I follow up with my toner and then my serums.