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.

Sheer physical UV defense

The last step in my morning skincare routine is a great sunblock witg an SPF 50 that is perfect for my delicate skin and has UVA and UVB Protection 
SHEER PHYSICAL UV DEFENSE.

I will however be buying the universal tinted version soon, as this is the only product that needs replacing in the next week. I bought mine in September 2014 and I use it as well as my two daughters and my husband so 50ml has lasted us 5 months which is amazing.

This sunscreen contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide superior sun protection which in turn stops sunburn and premature aging.
Shake the bottle well to distribute the active ingredients,  and you can hear like a little marbel in the bottle as well. It has a very runny texture and a tiny amount goes a long long way.
I apply it using my finger tips to my face and neck and then follow up with my make up routine. This product does not absorb per say, but rather spreads to form a thin layer that protects me against the sun for the entire day and is water proof for forty minutes.
It is paraben free and non comedogenic and is THE only sunblock that has not clogged my pores or lead to a massive acne out break. If you use too much though, it doesn't feel good on your face. And a little really goes a long way.

Containing plankton extract to provide heat protection
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

It does not leave a grey white or blue cast to the skin after applying,  and the tinted version gives my skin a healthy glow.  Even during the holidays when I apples another sunscreen to my body for days at the beach, my face did not tan or burn at all where my body has, so in future I will be using a skin ceuticals sunblock for my body as well.

*update.  Since writing this I have bought the universal tint to enhance natural skin tone. It spreads very easily and absorbs very quickly. I really like the way the universal tint looks I hope these three pics do justice to how nicely this sunblock looks in reality. 

This is it just spread around a bit

And this one it is spread out and totally absorbed in.

This sunscreen also provides a really nice base for my foundation.  I find that after applying it I wait a few minutes and then when I apply my foundation it glides on evenly, almost as if I had applied a really good primer. In fact my foundation actually goes on better then as if I had primer.

Pore minimizing moisturizer

The second last step in my morning routine,  my pore minimizing moisturizer with marine extracts.

It is a lightweight daily moisturizer that does not clog my pores or create an acne flare up.
In fact with continues usage it has actually decreased the size of my Pores and I just love it. After all the serums my face can tend towards being slightly sticky, but with a thin layer of this cream my face feels smooth and hydrated.
It suited for use on oily, normal and combination skin and is perfect for acne prone skin that is dehydrated like mine.

It contains Burnet, Ginger and cinnamon extracts which target enlarged pores within 20minutes.
It also contains vitamin E to promote tissue repair and healing and
Botanical extracts to purify and target large pores. It is perfectly non greasy and absorbs super quick which is important after all the serums that I apply before my moisturizer.