April Lust Have It Review

Kia Ora!

I received the April Lust Have It quite awhile ago, but life got a bit crazy, and I haven't had a chance to post this blog. So read on to see what was in it!

Lust Have It* is a monthly subscription, which costs $19.95 (AUD) plus shipping, and you get 5-6 products/samples. It ships to Australia and New Zealand, and is usually with you by the end of the month - although it often takes a little longer to reach New Zealand.

You can use coupon code IFORAYS1 for $10 off your first box! 

I love it when the bag has some interesting looking products in it! Let's see what was in it!

Full card details for those who want to see those. 

Appelles Apothecary & Lab Shampoo and Conditioner 35ml each
RRP: $6.58 

Blackseed Shampoo cleans and nourishes, gently removing excess oil and dead skin from the scalp and providing follicles with the necessary nutrients and hydration for strong, healthy hair. Tamanu Conditioner repairs and protects, shielding hair from UV and chemical damage by maintaining hair hydration, manageability and softness. 

I've tried these before from other subscription boxes, and love them! They are quite a herbal scent - rosemary being the primary scent - but I love that. They work quite well as a shampoo and conditioner, leaving hair soft and shiny. These are also a generous sample size, and I should get 2-3 uses from these! Yay!

Marsk Certified Organic Browliner
RRP: $28.95

Nothing is worse than bad eyebrows, which is why we designed the MARSK Certified Organic Brow Liners. Whether you're going for a stenciled look or a natural full arch, the MARSK Organic Brow Pencil will get you there smudge-free. 

I've been using this to do my brows every day for the last week, and it's amazing! I've struggled with the colour of brow pencils before - as despite claims of universal colour they are always too dark for my blonde brows. However this one is nearly perfect! It's a lighter blonde colour, and makes it so easy to do my brows! I'm a convert, and the creamy formula certainly helps!

Marsk Certified Organic Eyeliner
RRP: $28.95

Wear it all day and all night and they won't slip off the eye (don't you just hate it when that happens?). The added benefit with these wonderful liners is the delicious ingredients in them that have earned them an Organic certification. 

I don't wear eyeliner. Ever. So this product hasn't been touched. It looks nice, and swatches well (see below) but I just won't use it. I'm keeping it for a friend, but this one is a dud for me personally - although I know lots of people love eyeliners in their subscriptions.     

Personail Nail Polish Wraps
RRP: $18

Can't justify the dollars associated with professional manicures? Or - even worse - sick of at-home jobs that end with you looking like you let a toddler loose on your hands with a tin of paint? No drying time, no smell and - best of all - simple to apply! From the classic to the fantastic(ally) sparkly, there's a design here for every nail. 

These are similar to Jamberry, and are those stickers that look like nail polish. Half the fuss, and not too much of a mess. Honestly, I haven't tried these yet as I've been too busy to worry about my nails. I love the 'Glamour' design I received, and I love that there is a $10 off code - I'm not sure if it's a one-off code but give it a go and see if it will work for you!  

Manna Kadar Fantasy 3-in-1 Blush Highlighter Eyeshadow
RRP: $25

A pearlized powder blush, highlighter and eyeshadow. It has a special light and velvet-like texture which glides on smoothly and evenly to provide the perfect amount of colour for a healthy glow on your eyes, cheeks or desired areas for highlighting. 

Once again, not something I've used recently, but it swatches nicely - smooth and creamy. I will be using this over the next few months since I've just started a job where makeup is a bit more of a requirement. I like it as an eyeshadow, to add a bit of a pop to the inner corner.   

Swatches: MARSK eyeliner, MARSK browliner, Manna Kadar powder

Total value of the box: $107.48

Wow, talk about value for money. I'm going to use at least 3 of the products in this box, and will play with a couple more so I'm really happy to have received this one.

What do you think of this box? Do you get Lust Have It? If you don't, don't forget to use coupon code IFORAYS1 for $10 off your first box!

Until next time ...

 *PR sample and affiliate links.

March Lust Have It unboxing

Kia Ora!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on here - more on that in a different post - but it's nice to start things off with a review of a monthly box!

Lust Have It* is a monthly subscription, which costs $19.95 (AUD) plus shipping, and you get 5-6 products/samples. It ships to Australia and New Zealand, and is usually with you by the end of the month - although it often takes a little longer to reach New Zealand.

You can use coupon code IFORAYS1 for $5 off your first box!

I forgot to take a picture of the other side of the card for this month, so I'll try and make sure all the info about the products is included below!

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Anti-Aging Whole Body Balm 0.15oz
RRP: $20

A perfectly balanced, certified organic formula using the very best all natural ingredients. Premium, nutrient rich, organic Argan oil, Castor oil, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E, are known to have anti-aging properties and are proven to deeply condition, nourish and hydrate skin and hair. A superior all purpose balm, with a multitude of uses. 

I don't like all purpose balms. I honestly just don't use them. I have been using this one (so I can properly review it here for you guys), and love it. I have only been using it as a lip balm - mainly because of the packaging - and it's amazing! The oils let this melt into your lips, and help them stay hydrated in the worst conditions. I've had very chapped lips recently due to a horrid cold, and this balm has been a lifesaver! It smells natural but in a good way, and I truly adore it! I'm not sure I'd pay $20 for it, but I'm going to love it while I have it!


Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash 50ml
RRP: $2.50

Great for normal and sensitive skin, adjusted to pH 5.5, the pH value of healthy skin. Contains a sophisticated complex of vitamins, allantoin and Pentavitin to protect the skin from dehydration. The wash also includes a blend of moisturisers to ensure no irritation to the skin. The gentle formula makes this body wash suitable for frequent use. 

This looks pretty medicinal to me. It says it can be a face wash, but I only tried it as a body wash. I was surprised to see it is a bright green gel, but that's actually quite funky! It smelt like generic soap, which is fine. I prefer a stronger scent (fruity, sweet, something that smells like a specific thing) but generic soap smell is inoffensive. The body wash lathered nicely, left me clean, and didn't strip my skin. It's not the most moisturised I've ever been by a body wash, but not bad. I love that it leaves me feeling very clean! 

Glazel Visage Single Matte Eyeshadow
RRP: $15

A rich palette of silk-textured, highly pigmentated colours. Creates phenomenal and irresistible colour saturation. 

I'm going to be honest, I didn't even swatch this. I just gave it away to a friend. I don't wear much makeup to start with, and I know I'd never use this green colour. It was better off with someone else. So no review, but the packaging felt a little cheap - that's about all I can say.

Be a Bombshell Mechanical Eyeliner
RRP: $20

This twist up mechanical eyeliner comes in bold colours for a defined eye or a pop of colour. Easy to apply and adds great definition; long lasting, and water-resistant. Use like a marker, drawing with the tip closest to your lash line for precise definition. Hold the pencil at an angle and draw along the lash line. Begin at the edge of the outer part of the eye.

As a makeup do-do, the instructions on the card are appreciated. However, this pencil was clunky and the formula was difficult to get on. It took awhile to get a swatch on my hand, let alone on the sensitive skin near my eye. I basically gave up, and then passed this along to a friend. Not friendly for makeup noobs.    

Ruby Eye Shadow Brush Small Round

RRP: $22.40

Ruby Brushes are made from 100% natural hair and makes applying eye makeups easier. 

I quite like this brush. It's the perfect size for packing on colour - something I am vaguely aware of how to do. It's soft, picks up eye shadow well, and transfers it pretty well too. It's probably not the best brush ever, but to someone who doesn't really have any makeup brushes, this is an awesome addition to my meagre collection.   

 Overall, not the most exciting box for me, but I can see how makeup lovers will appreciate it! It also came with a card for Hello Fresh - but that's an Australia only company I think so that's basically useless to me. A nice addition though. 

Total value of the box: $79.90

Keep an eye out for the April box - and let me know if you prefer reviews or unboxings!

Remember you can use coupon code IFORAYS1 for $5 off your first box! 

Until next time ...

*PR sample and affiliate links.

March Favourites

Kia Ora!

I thought I'd try my hand at a favourites post this month, particularly as I've been loving certain products for the whole of March. 

 

I have five things to talk about this month, all quite different from each other.

Vanessa Megan - Darling Perfume
This was from a Flora and Fauna box last year, and I'm so happy to have it! It's the perfect size to carry around in my purse, and is a light floral scent that smells divine! I can't get enough of it, and am attempting to savour it a little (although that isn't working too well). There are lots of different Vanessa Megan perfumes on the Flora and Fauna website, and the 'sample' sizes are great for trying out a scent (and last for a month at least!). 

Gerard Cosmetics - 1995

I'm a huge fan of lipsticks, and I have been reaching for 1995 a lot recently. It's easy to apply, you don't need to fuss about with it too much. It's a great brown colour, which is clearly my jam. I find that the colour fades evenly, and it does stick around for at least a few hours. I reapply 2-3 times a day, usually after eating, and find it lasts well for me. It also isn't too drying, so my lips don't feel like they are dead when I wear this. Love it!

The Body Shop Body Butter - Blueberry 

I'm officially in love with the Body Butters from the Body Shop. I've always been a little scared to attempt to use up one of the full size ones, but it's actually not as difficult as I feared. In fact, I am on track to have this one appear in my March Empties post. I love how thick the cream is, and the Blueberry scent is divine! It's sweet, without being overwhelming, and has a lingering blueberry smell. I use this before going to bed, and my legs always feel soft and moisturised in the morning. 

Bossy Cosmetics Body Scrub - Salted Caramel Scrub & Vanilla Whip Topping

Have I mentioned my body scrub addiction recently? The one I'm most obsessed with is the Bossy Cosmetics Salted Caramel scrub. It smells like hot caramel and sweet vanilla. I can't get enough of the smell, and the scrub itself is great too. The perfect size sugar granules for a great all over scrub, and you smell like salted caramel for hours afterwards. What more could you want?! 

The Herb Farm - Sleepwell Cream
This was one of the best things that I received in my Beautiful Christmas advent calendar. I use it 5-6 times a week, and find it really does help me to sleep better. I've been applying to my wrists every night just before I hop into bed, and the herbal scent truly helps me get to sleep. If I'm already tired, it helps me get to the point of sleep, and if I'm not tired, it helps me feel ready to sleep within 30-60 minutes. It melts into the skin, and the scent is gone by morning. 

Has anyone else tried any of these? What are your favourites for March?

Until next time ...

Lust Have It - February 2016

Kia Ora!

Lust Have It* has once again arrived in my mailbox, and on the blog! The last one I got was in July 2015, so it's neat to see what's happening 9 months on. They have had some great looking boxes (or bags if you prefer) recently so I'm really excited to see what's in the February box!

Lust Have It is a monthly subscription, which costs $19.95 (AUD) plus shipping, and you get 5-6 products/samples. It ships to Australia and New Zealand, and is usually with you by the end of the month - although it often takes a little longer to reach New Zealand.

You can use coupon code IFORAYS1 for $5 off your first box!

It's a red bag this month, perhaps as a special nod to Valentine's Day? The card is gorgeous!

 

Full details of the back of the card. 

Mellow Cosmetics Blush - Peach - RRP $14
There was an option of a blush or lipstick this month. I received this blush in Peach, and it looks awesome! Regular readers will know I'm not a big makeup wearer, so I'm popping this aside for an upcoming giveaway (hint: it's the blog's birthday in May so keep an eye out then for something special).


I do love this colour, and I've heard great things about Mellow as a brand. I do think it's a bit annoying to offer two different product options that have different RRP's. I personally would have preferred a lipstick as that's what I would use, but the $4 difference in value is a bit strange.

Garnier Fructis Full & Luscious Shampoo and Conditioner - Sample size - RRP $0.96
I've received these exact samples before, and haven't gotten around to using them yet. I'm heading away for the Easter weekend, and that seems like the perfect time to try these out. I'm not a huge fan of foil packets, but these seem to have a reasonable amount of product in them. I do like trying new shampoos and conditioners, especially when I'm travelling. 

Lanolips Everyday Hand Balm - $22.95
Full size hand cream! I don't use hand cream all that often, but this sort of thing is always useful and handy (pun intended) to have around. It's a thick cream, sinks in reasonably well and leaves your hands hydrated without being greasy. It smells quite powdery and has notes of rose - it basically smells like something my grandma would love! 

Once again there's about $6 discrepancy between the two products you could receive. I'm happy I got the hand cream as I wouldn't use the fake tan, but I do think that if you offer two options they should be the same RRP.

Be a Bombshell Mascara - Nightfall - RRP $21
Be a Bombshell is a brand that appears all the time in Lust Have It. I haven't really used many of their other products as they are makeup I don't generally use. I do use mascara though, so I'm happy to have this to play with! It's black, which is always good. I did see someone else get a brown colour, which I would love to have played with, but black is still good!

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensly Revatalising Facial Oil - Sample size - RRP $12.82
This smells like rosemary, and feels divine. I've never used a facial oil, so I'm a little scared to try it out, but I think might have to give this a go. And wowee, look at how much it's worth. It may be small, but it looks like a great sample to try out!


The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream - Sample size - RRP $7.49
Oooh, now this one I'm excited about. I love using new face creams, and this would fit perfectly with my nightly routine! It smells beautiful, and is a great size so it should last for long enough to try it out properly.


The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig - Sample size - RRP $1.11
This smells divine! It's light, delicious, and I seriously can't get enough of it. The scent is quite strong, so you shouldn't need to reapply too often. I'm really happy that I got this sample, and will probably use it up quickly! 

Total value of the box: $80.33.

What a great box! Three Body Shop samples (of reasonable size), shampoo and conditioner samples, a mascara, a hand cream, and a blush. I'll use 6/7 products, and think it's a really exciting box.

Once again, if you want to purchase the box and get a $5 off coupon, use IFORAYS1.

Until next time ...

January Book Wrangle

Kia Ora!

This post is really late. I don't really have a reason, other than life getting in the way of blogging. Oh well, hopefully you'll enjoy reading about the books I read, and loved. There isn't a bad one in this bunch!

I read a heck of a lot of books in January! Part of it was because of the Biannual Bibliothon (which I didn't finish to be honest), and partially because of the summer break. Let's get started!

Winter of Fire - Sherryl Jordan
This has been a favourite for years. It's about Elsha of the Quelled, a slave race that works to mine firestones from the Earth (in a very futuristic post-apocalyptic type world - where the apocalypse was so long ago it isn't really part of the plot). Elsha is chosen to be the Handmaiden to the Firelord, and she uses this position to turn many of the racial beliefs on their heads. It's a great book, with friendship and righting old wrongs as the main themes. I love the characterisation, the plot, the setting, and everything about this book. Go check it out!

In the hand of the Goddess - Tamora Pierce
Another childhood favourite (as you can probably tell since the copy in the picture is quite worn out). This is the second in a quartet, about Alanna the Lioness. Alanna is a woman who wants to become a knight, in a medieval world (with the addition of magic), and women aren't generally allowed to participate in war. She hides her identity with the help of various friends (including the King of Thieves). Tamora Pierce is a brilliant author, who puts female characters at the forefront of many issues. Tortall is her world, and she has written many novels set here. Basically a wonderful Young Adult fantasy novel, if you haven't read any of her books you need to remedy that right now.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things - Patrick Rothfuss
Another of my favourite authors! This is a short story that turned into something more. It is about one of the characters in The Name of the Wind, Auri. It's the best book I've ever read that has only one character, and no dialogue. It's a masterpiece, very thoughtful, and perfect if you already love Patrick Rothfuss' other works. Possibly not the best introduction to his world, and characters, but fantastic if you already love them.

The Method - Shannon Kirk*
Imagine a helpless, very pregnant teenager who has been kidnapped. This is not who Lisa is; she is cold, calm, and meticulous in her planning to escape. This book turns kidnapping on it's head, while exploring the fears and paranoia that a kidnapped girl may experience, albeit through a sociopathic facade. I did enjoy this book, it was fast-paced, exciting, and draws you in. If you are into thrillers, you should check this out. It's not what I would call world-changing, but it is a great read for a lazy weekend.

The Darkest Secret - Alex Marwood*
Does anyone else love watching cop shows on TV (like SVU, Castle, etc) where a case is looked at, various red herrings are discarded, and then someone you don't expect was the killer? This book is a literary version of this, in a cold case kind of way. Identical twin, 3-year-old Coco Jackson disappears one weekend during her father's birthday party. This book switches back and forth between the weekend it happened, and one weekend years later when the truth comes out. It covers the various perspectives of important characters, and eventually reveals the unexpected truth. It's not often a book can surprise me with an ending, but this one managed it with a great twist. It pulls at your heartstrings, leaves you guessing, and it was another book I couldn't put down. If you like crime novels, mysteries, or thrillers, check this one out!

The Aeronaut's Windlass - Jim Butcher*
First things first, this book is huge! I was a bit put off for awhile, but it's worth getting into this book. I loved it! The characters are fantastic, the plot is believable (for a fantasy world), and there is plenty of depth to this book. Intrigue, mysterious backstories, and an evil that is greater than any of the characters can imagine. Once I was into this book, I couldn't put it down. It required a bit of work to start with, but after the first 50 pages or so, it was effortless. I've always heard about the masterful work of Jim Butcher, and this was a wonderful book to read!

All Fall Down: Christchurch's Lost Chimneys - Geoff Rice
A non-fiction book, not something I read a lot of generally. I studied history at the University of Canterbury, and had several classes taught by Geoff Rice. After the Christchurch earthquake in 2011, this book was published. I've been looking for it ever since, but only managed to get my hands on a copy in December last year. I loved this book. It told me more than I ever wanted to know about the history of chimney's, and particularly the history of chimney's in Christchurch. I've been noticing lots of the features of chimney's in Auckland since reading this book, and honestly loved learning about them. It has a chapter on the history, and the rest is written very well. I feel like I know Professor Rice on a personal level, as he has put so much of himself into this book. If you like non-fiction, history, or just something a little bit out of the ordinary then check this out!

*PR sample and affiliate links. 

And that's that! Overall, January was a great month for me, book-wise. I'm off to make a start on the huge list of books I requested from the library earlier this week now. Keep an eye out for March's Book Wrangle!

Until next time ...

February Book Wrangle

Kia Ora

I know it's the middle of March now, but I'm catching up on all the book related blog posts this week. So be prepared for a lot of book reviews! Read on for what I read during February!

Stolen - Lucy Christopher
This book was a great read. It was told as a letter after the fact, and covered the time in which Gemma, a 16-year-old girl from London, was kidnapped and held in the Great Sandy Desert in Australia. It's a wonderful representation of the complicated relationship between Gemma and her kidnapper, Ty, and how she starts to experience aspects of Stockholm Syndrome. I really enjoyed the writing style that was used, and the way that the author explored both the details of such a complex relationship, and the effects that the setting had on both characters. The Outback is desolate and demanding of Ty and Gemma, and ultimately forces Ty to make a decision that leads to Gemma's release. It's interesting to see how the kidnapping changes Gemma as a person, and the nuances that affected her the most throughout the experience. I really enjoyed reading this, and although it's not a light book, it is a very good story.

The Martian - Andy Weir
I saw the movie in October last year, and have heard that the book was just as good so I had to see for myself. It's also one of the challenges on Book Riot's 'Read Harder' challenge to read a book and see the movie, so that was also part of my decision to read this book. I'm so glad I did! This book is fantastic! I couldn't put it down, and I laughed my way through it. The writing is witty, the science appears sound (from a non-scientist perspective), and it was inclusive of all perspectives. This is the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is left behind on Mars after a failed mission, and has to figure out how to survive. It is a spectacular way of detailing many of the dangers of space and living on other planets, outlining the many challenges faced, and how that affects both the stranded astronaut, his crewmates, and those left behind on Earth. I really enjoyed reading this book, and the same sharp wit that is displayed in the movie is one of the predominant features of this novel. 10/10, would certainly read again!

Burial Rites - Hannah Kent 
This book is about Agnes Magnusdottir, set in Northern Iceland in 1829, and the few months before her death - her participation in the brutal murder of two men is what has lead to this conviction. This book is a fictionalised version of a real story, giving personal details to the last woman to be executed in Iceland. I would liken it to other popular true crime stories that are currently popular, such as the Making a Murderer documentary and the Serial podcast. This book draws out details about Agnes' relationships with both the murdered men, and the two others accused of their murder. It allows a different view into the situation, and the ways in which Agnes may have coped in the months between her conviction and execution. A very enjoyable read, particularly for those who appreciate true crime stories. 

The Butterfly Summer - Harriet Evans*
This book is told from two perspectives - that of Nina Parr in the present, and through a book written by her grandmother and hidden away. It describes the history, and myths, surrounding Keepsake, the family home. The horrors that have been common for the Parr women throughout history, and have been repeated through the generations, and revealed slowly to Nina when she discovers her heritage. This is a compelling book, and although it isn't what I would usually pick up, I really enjoyed it. I read it very quickly, over a weekend. and my Mum has snagged it to read next. I can't say too much more without spoiling the novel's secrets, but it was a great read, and easy - so perfect for a lazy day or a holiday at the beach. 

Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
Celaena Sardothien is an assassin (of a very high calibre), and is co-opted into participating in a challenge to be the King's Champion by his son, Prince Dorian. There were many things that were supposed to be thrilling and dangerous in this book, but I struggled to finish it because the writing was terrible, and the plot/characters were simply boring. The old adage of 'show not tell' was clearly not told to this author because the entire book was a litany of telling the reader how wonderful, attractive, dangerous, clever, knowledgeable, and sexy the main character was. I couldn't stand the fact that most of the things had the potential to be very very interesting (the loss of magic in the world, an older form of runes and wards that were still accessible, the mysterious past of Celaena, histories of the different cultures interacting in the king's court) were glossed over in favour of having Celaena having to cope with both the prince and the captain of the guard fawning over her, and attempt to get into her pants, skipping over the action scenes in favour of talking about how great Celaena's assassin skills are, and her paltry friendship with someone who clearly is more than she seems. I was most infuriated when the author attempted to describe one or two of the tests that the potential king's champions were put through, and then the next paragraph was some seriously lazy writing - it started with some variation of "over the next week there were two more tests, both of which went well". If you're going to neglect to describe the tests, then don't bother to mention them. Most of the exciting action happens off-page and is mentioned in conversations after the fact by the characters, and what does happen on-page is clumsily written and attempts to tell the reader what happened and what to think, rather than showing the reader the events and allowing them to draw their own conclusions.
I have heard that the further into the series you get, the better the books get. But I don't know that I can force myself to read anymore as this first book is very very painful (as my workmate can attest to as she was forced to listen to my wrath after just about every page). Do not read. Or read at your own risk. 1/10, and it only gets the one as there are glimmers of hope. Urgh.

*PR sample and affiliate links. 

There you go folks, some seriously great books to check out, and one to avoid at all costs. Let me know if you've read any of these, and what you thought! Feel free to make friends with me on Goodreads if you want to keep up with what I'm reading.

Until next time ...