My Christmas (in July) Wishlist

dear Father Christmas-in-July,

how are you? i can't believe how fast this year has gone! it feels like only yesterday that you last visited in me in decemeber, and that was 7 months ago!! hope yourself and mrs christmas are well, and those cute-as-a-button reindeers of yours!

now...about me! i feel that i have been a very good girl so far, so if you agree and feel that im worthy...

this is my wishlist:

Nars body glow oil 120ml rrp: $95.00

Nars smudgeproof eye shadow base rrp: $39.00

Nars illuminator orgasm rrp: $48.00

Nars pro-prime pore-refining primer rrp: $52.00

Jo Malone vitamin e nourishing hand treatment 100ml rrp:$100.00

Jo Malone orange blossom luxury candle 2.5kg $695.00

Bobbi Brown brightening finishing powder rrp: $90.00

Honore des Pres vamp a` ny eau de parfume 50ml rrp: $170.00

L'Artisan Parfumeur premier figuier 100ml rrp: $170.00

i understand that this list may be a little ambitious...but that's the point of a wishlist...right? anywho, if you're able to make some magic happen, i really would be the happiest little girl!

i hope you and your precious elves are enjoying your july celebrations!

B xoxo

if you could write a wishlist for christmas in july...what would be your top items?

Hollywood's Golden Girls

i am an absolute sucker for hollywood. i love everything about it. the style, the gossip, and of course the scandals (the ones which turn out to be true anyway, anyone else as shocked as i about the very recent K-Stew affair exposure?!). most of all, it is the glamour that i am truly obsessed with. does anyone else drool over the Victoria's Secret runway with their perfectly bronzed limbs, luminous complexion (almost angel like, oh yes, that's right, they are angels) and beautifully bouncing blow waves (rhetorical question)? another favourite of mine is the teen choice awards (which took place a couple of days ago), where the stars tend to rock a slightly more casual/fun look. it's not uncommon to see a blue eyeliner or a bright pink lippy, on a celebrity who normally only steps out in a glamorous red lip and carefully contoured cheek bones, or a sexy smokey paired with nude lippy. of course nothing can beat the poised perfection of hair and makeup which is seen at the big hollywood night of nights, the Oscars.

however, it is worth acknowledging that there are always the tragic few who are trying to be daring or different, but completely and utterly miss the mark (think Lady Gaga, Helena Bonham Carter, Madonna). great, now that's out of the way, back to the lovely ones.

there are a couple of women in hollywood, who very rarely put a foot wrong. when i think of them, the words which come to mind include: style, grace, beauty, glamour, allure, polish and class. no matter what their outfit may be, or the current colour of their pretty locks, these girls are super makeup savvy and always look stunning.

Camilla Belle

Jessica Biel

Blake Lively 

Kim Kardashian

Diane Kruger 

 Minka Kelly

Natasha Poly

Olivia Wilde

Ashley Olsen

Rachel Bilson

 Nicole Richie

while we are on the topic, i think it's only fair to mention our home grown beauties who also are cause for much inspiration!

Miranda Kerr

Jodi Gordon

Lara Bingle

 Jennifer Hawkins

B xoxo

what do you think? are these ladies your go-to for makeup/hair inspiration too? is there someone who you think deserved a mention? do you disagree with any of my top picks?

 

Product Review: Nature's Own Super B Complex

Nature's Own super b complex rrp: $26.95

you may be thinking, how is a vitamin b supplement relevant to a beauty blog? well, let me fill you in! the b group vitamins are integral to your skin's well-being and condition. for example, a deficiency in niacin (vitamin b3) is directly linked to sudden onset of dermatitis. vitamin b is also a highly esteemed ingredient in anti ageing serums/creams and skin lightening/brightening products. when applied to the skin (topically), studies have found skin to appear more smooth, soft and less wrinkled.

so, wouldn't it make sense that taking vitamin b orally would help your skin from the inside out? i think so, lets run with it!

the reason i picked up this particular vitamin is, since winter settled in, i've become very tired/lethargic and lacking energy. as a result my (normally rigorous) exercise regime as tapered off (to almost nil), and it's also made me particularly grumpy (sad but true). in an attempt to recharge body, and mind, i thought that maybe a b group vitamin supplement might help. the Nature's Own super b complex packaging displays their "energy & vitality" symbol on the front, and to the side of the label reads "super b complex facilitates energy production in the body and provides support to the nervous system". sounds good to me!

i've previously been a fan of the Nature's Own balance + glow multivitamin, which i used for (approximately)the last 3 months, and noticed a definite improvement in the strength and condition of my nails and hair. so with these results in mind, i was confident in choosing the Nature's Own b vitamin option, over another brand's variation of the supplement.

i have now been taking the Nature's Own super b complex, since (and inclusive of) saturday (today is day 6), and am already noticing a change in myself. i have been much less agitated and grumpy, and have felt much more awake and prepared for the day ahead. you may call this a coincidence, however the way i had previously been feeling, had been constant for the last 2 months (at least). i'm so impressed by effect of the supplement. i would highly recommend this to anyone who is after a bit of a spring in their step, a sparkle in their eyes and an overall happy persona.

rating out of 5: 5

reason in a nut shell: so far, so good! and at approximately $0.35 a day, it's cheap as chips!

where to buy: supermarkets and most chemists

number of uses (promised on packaging): 75 tablets = 75 day's worth
product tagline: everyday energy

ingredients (for those who care to know): actives: vitamin b1 (thiamine nitrate), vitamin b2 (riboflavine), vitamin b3 (nicotinamide), vitamin b5 (calcium pantothenate), vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin c (absorbic acid), folic acid, biotin, choline bitartrate, inositol inactives: calcium hydrogen phosphate, cellulose - microcrystalline, crospovidone, calcium lactate pentahydrate, silica - colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 6000, talc-purified, iron oxide red, iron oxide black, vanillin, ethanol, water-purified, silicon dioxide

B xoxo

Product Review: Garnier Fructis Pure Volume Fortifying Dry Shampoo

Garnier Fructis pure volume fortifying dry shampoo 150ml rrp: $8.95

dry shampoo. we all know what it is. most of us rely on dry shampoo weekly (if not daily) to extend a blow wave, freshen up after gym or simply because one has been to lazy to wash their hair when the slick gloss of oil has started to make its way from the roots in a rapid downward spiral (eww). the claims made by most dry shampoos are that they absorb excess oil, add body and life to flat/limp roots, and leaving you looking fresh as a daisy (even when it is certainly not the case). so when Garnier add a dry shampoo to their enormous range of hair products (ranging from shampoos and conditioners to styling products and at home hair colouring), i'm thinking they must have done their research, and have created a winning product to trump (or at the very least match) the existing products (for the same purpose) on the market. although their packaging is bright and fun (consistent to that of their signature branding), the product inside is...very disappointing.

i really wanted to like this product, i really and truly did. not only am i a sucker for the bright lime and pink bottle, but the product is also very reasonably priced (much cheaper than my two favourite dry shampoos in the same product size which both have rrp: $12.95, Klorane and Batiste coloured in brilliant brunette).

but, i just can't warm to it.

can i say firstly, that it does tick all the boxes in terms of soaking up oil, freshening up, and adding volume/texture. that's all great. the huge down fall is that the smell is positively atrocious! it has such a strong and horrible fragrance, which i would best describe as "chemically". trust me, it is not how you would like your hair to smell. i (and i'm sure you'd agree) would much rather pay an extra $4.00 to have fresh, volumised hair which smells like coconut (Batiste tropical dry shampoo) or creamy oat milk (Klorane gentle dry shampoo).

i'm sorry Garnier, but in my opinion, this isn't a product worthy of your name.

rating out of 5: 2

reason in a nut shell: i gave 1 point for price and another for effectiveness (in the appearance of hair's improvement post product application)

where to buy: supermarkets and most chemists
number of uses (promised on packaging): 32 uses

product tagline: refreshes hair between washes

ingredients (for those who care to know): butane, alcohol denat., isobutane, oryza sativa starch / rice starch, propane, isopropyl myristate, dicocoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, stearalkonium hectorie, limonen, linalool, propylene glycol, propylene cabonate, citrus limonum oil / lemon seed oil, citral, hexyl cinnamal, parfum / fragrance (fil c51215/3)

B xoxo

Thanking You

just realised my page has already had 200+ views!

thank you lovely readers!

thank you very much!

would love to hear feedback on my posts (in the comments section) and your thoughts of anything i can improve on and anything (beauty related of course) you would like me to write about.

me in my trust blue fluffy dressing down, settled in for the night after posting the product reviews

B xoxo

Product Review: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

Aveeno skin relief moisturising lotion 354ml rrp: $12.95

Aveeno's star ingredient is oats, finely milled (colloidal) oatmeal, which claims a large array of benefits including relief from dry skin, soothing of itching and irritated (rash, insect bite, etc) skin, as well as protection for cracked or aggravated skin. as if these potential benefits aren't great enough, they also last for 24 hours.

recently i have been suffering from extremely itching and irritated skin, from my tights/stockings which i wear to work (monday - saturday), and after i've scratched a few times, little red hive-like bumps appear. not ideal, but it also seems that it the condition wasn't incurable, as since i have been using the Aveeno daily after my evening shower (substituting with the moisturiser i had been using), i have not once this week found myself clawing at my legs, as there has been no itch to relieve myself from, even towards the end of my day. not only that, but the rest of my skin (i've been applying the product chest to toes) has felt lovely and soft and extremely comfortable, even the typically dry areas (knees/elbows/ankles) have appeared hydrated.

given this excellent result, i would absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting hydrated/protected skin throughout winter (and beyond). also great for those who prefer products with a little-to-no fragrance, as this particular moisturiser has no added fragrance, and the naturally occurring scent (from the products ingredients) is very subtle, and the best way to describe said scent would be that it smells exactly how i would expect oats to smell (kind of creamy and a little bit grainy)! the texture of the lotion is very light and easy to apply, spread and absorb (no greasy or sticky film over the skin's surface). another plus of the product is the pump dispenser which keeps the product inside the container protected and hygienic, an allows control of the amount of product one uses, which in turn equals less wastage. win!

rating out of 5: 5

reason in a nut shell: cannot fault a product which delivers exactly as it promises, at a great price!

where to buy: supermarkets and most chemists

number of uses (promised on packaging): n/a

product tagline: skin protectant for relief of extra dry, itchy skin
ingredients (for those who care to know): aqua, glycerin, distearyldimonium chloride, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, benzyl alcohol, menthol, allantoin, sodium chloride, triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten - (f#9438-095)

B xoxo

Saturday Night Shop

a typical saturday night, for most girls my age generally involves going out having dinner, or a drink, or a dance... or at the very least, enjoying the company of a close friend or two.

me? i was doing a spot of shopping at my local Chemist Warehouse (conveniently located just a stone throw from my door step). i made my way down there with the intent on buying a thermometer! apparently there's not a much of a demand for said item, and consequently CW don't stock them. great. what a waste of an outing! ummm as if!! surround my 100s of beauty related products that i do not need...i'm in heaven!

after promising myself that i wouldn't get carried away and spend up big (particularly on items that i have 10 similar of at home in my bathroom cupboard), i did my usual browse, making sure each and every isle was carefully inspected, looking for my next life changing purchase! life changing? perhaps CW is the wrong place to search for an item with that much expectation, but you have to start somewhere, right?

getting back to the isle browsing, i found myself at hair care...and what do you know?! i actually need shampoo! just ran out of my dearest Redken extreme shampoo, this is great! i can actually justify this purchase! the wall of options i face is so pretty, products in every colour, from the gold and champagne Organix vanilla silk products to the ravishing red John Frieda full body range. i'm instantly drawn to the Herbal Essences range. not only are they on special (very reasonably priced), but the products sound utterly delicious! for those who aren't familiar with my dilemma, the options in front of me include hello hydration (a fusion of with hawaiian coconut and orchid), dangerously straight (pink lily and asian silk) and body envy (white nectarine and pink coral flower), just to name a few. however given the sad state of my damaged long locks, i feel that range titled long term relationship is an appropriate fit for me (not to mention the product features a red raspberry and brazilian silk infusion, which sounds utterly divine).

ok, i can tick shampoo of my (mental) shopping list.

as i proceed to exit this isle, i spot (of out of the corner of my eye) the new Garnier pure volume fortifying dry shampoo (that's quite a mouthful). well i have to have this now don't i? i really do need it, to add to my growing collection of Klorane and Batiste dry shampoos which seem to be located in every room of my house (and every handbag and floating around my car). i was being a tad (actually very) sarcastic there. i don't need it, but in the name of beauty, i'd like to give Garnier a whirl, and see how their dry shampoo matches up to that of their (very) well established and hugely successful competitors (cult status products, if you will).

the next isle which catches my eye, is body care. it never ceases to amaze me, just how many different body moisturisers, cremes, cream, lotions, smoothers, glosses (etc, etc) there are on offer. it is extremely overwhelming. however in this instance, i am particularly drawn to the range of Aveeno on offer. i don't really know very much at all about this brand (however i have picked up on their vibe of mainly natural ingredients, from their advertisements which i have noticed in magazines). i recently tried a sachet sample of their daily moisturising lotion (which i think was in a Marie Claire mag) and was really impressed with the (small amount of) product i was able to trial. the marketing team have got me here, a little taste and i was left wanting more. so with out much further ado, i grabbed the Aveeno skin relief moisturising lotion (which boasts a special formulation for 24 hour relief and protection from dry/aggravated skin), as i have suffered from horrible itchy skin on my legs since winter settled in and i was forced to wear stockings/tights to work everyday, to ward off the looming frost bit whilst i sit at my reception desk.

i'm starting to accumulate a nice little armful of loot, so i start heading back to the register, worried the old EFT card might decline if i stay much longer!

but of course, it's very rarely a direct journey, i get distracted by all the fluro yellow stickers which are boasting a sale price, covering the vitamins shelving. i'm a bit of a fence-sitter when it comes to vitamins. my doctor says that they are just a scam, however i am of the mentality that even if they aren't prove to have the positive effects which their packaging claims, it's not as though they will have a detrimental effect on ones health. so why not? the worst case scenario is that you will not notice any benefits, in which case you can count your losses and simply move on. i always read about the super dooper benefits (particularly regarding the appearance, condition and ageing of skin) which are able to be achieved from a diet high in B vitamins, so i decide to invest in Nature's Own super b complex. this little superhero contains 75 days worth of essential B vitamins, and claims to facilitate energy production and provides (some much need - in my case) support to the nervous system. sounds good to me!

i hastily made my way to the counter and kept my eyes to the floor, determined on not add any more items to the small collection i had already managed to gather, paid for my products and made my way home.

on my arrival, i inspected my new purchases.

not bad, not bad...even if i do say so myself. and thanks to CW for pointing out how much money i have just saved (according to them of course), as i feeling even better about the spontaneous purchases! with the satisfaction, which can only be felt after a successful and savvy shopping experience has occurred, i settled in with a glass of red (it's a saturday night after all) and marvelled over my new products.

for those of you who can't make out the figures, total was $36.45 and just below that the receipt reads "you have saved $20.18"

jumping forward now to today, i have been using the Aveeno moisturiser and taking the super b complex each day, and the shampoo and dry shampoo twice each. following this post with be a product review on each of my CW purchases.

i would love to hear (in the comments section) any great products you've picked up at your local supermarket or pharmacy!

B xoxo

July Bellabox

well well well... who was a happy little camper yesterday? oh yes, that would be me! there was a little ray of sunshine in the form of a blue box delivered to me at work yesterday, in an otherwise dreary and unpleasant day.

i was so excited to receive the next instalment of my bellabox, in such speedy succession of the last (i must have just squeezed in on the june delivery when i subscribed, hence the reason i've received two boxes in as many weeks). i scurried from front reception to the staff room as quickly as my legs could take me, overcome with delight, with my pretty blue parcel in my hot little hands.

the unveiling:

the first thing i notice is that there is no "bellabox"! not sure if this is normal or not, as you know this is only my second box! obviously the first item i've identified is an e.l.f. Essentials foundation brush (rrp: $3.99)! it's a little smaller than others i've used, but very happy with this none the less, as it just so happens that i lost my foundation brush in recent weeks! score! i am unfamiliar with e.l.f. Essentials so am excited to trial a new brand and am hoping that the product is of a high quality, even though the price tag is minimal.

next i remove the little baby blue mesh bag from the top, to find more products waiting below.

as well as the foundation brush, i am delighted to discover two full size products, being You, Me & Everybody shady lady daily face milk (rrp: $9.99), and Neutrogena deep clean invigorating foaming cleanser (rrp: $12.99). the forth product pictured is a 100ml sample of Nutri-Synergy sensitive skin cleanser (the full size product is 500ml rrp: $15.95).

now i, like most teenage girls, dabbled here and there with the odd Neutrogena product back in the day, but of late (say the last 6 years) their only products that i've used are the make-up remover cleansing towelettes and the oil-free makeup remover (both of which i received as part of the trial team for beautyheaven, and loved so much that have purchased and repurchased). i am a little nervous to try out the deep clean invigorating cleanser as my skin has been unpredictably sensitive recently (so i've been using an Avene cleanser for very sensitive and irritated skin, rather than my regular cleanser). never the less i will give it a whirl and get back to you with a product review, as those of you with similar skin (dehydrated and sensitive) may be interested in the results.

that being said (sensitive skin in mind), i am positively thrilled to receive the Nutri-Synergy product. i haven't heard of this brand before, so thought i'd do a little research, and discovered that the line of products is specially designed for dry and very dry skins, and suitable for those who suffer from conditions such as eczema. the brand uses both natural and organic ingredients (no harsh chemicals) and is gentle enough for all ages, including infants. to top it all off, the brand was created by a aussie pharmacist John Plunkett 25 years ago, and remains Australian owned and manufactured. this sounds like a brand worth knowing about! i look forward to reviewing the Nutri-Synergy cleanser also and will get back to ya'll asap.

next i've unzipped up the baby blue mesh bag...to discover more products! what a treat this is, july's box is proving to be very generous indeed.

like the first box, this contains (what i would best describe as) a covering letter, titled "Essential Beauty Buys". after a quick read, i begin to sort through the bag's products. quite excited and impressed to discover another two full sized products: a Carmex lip balm squeeze tube which is the perfect product to shield your lips from the harsh winter winds (and all other weather conditions experienced in crazy melbourne) and dehydrating heaters (rrp: $5.99) and a Ulta3 nail polish in mulberry (rrp: $2.00), which is proving to be the colour of the season and perfectly compliments the high fashion berry stained lips (beauty fans, you will have noticed this look anywhere and everywhere). the additional products in the bag are samples of the Royal Moroccan shampoo, conditioner and treatment, Neutrogena deep clean exfoliator, and a Givenchy men's fragrance sample.

would love to hear feedback from any readers who are also bellabox subscribers on their thoughts on and previous experience with any of the products included this month.

will trial the full sized products for a couple of days each, and the post a review (samples generally don't contain enough product to allow a proper and conclusive judgement to be made, however if i'm able to get a few days use out of any of them, i will review those also).

hope you have a lovely weekend.

B xoxo