Marie Claire The Parcel | Autumn Edit | Review

Good Afternoon beauties!

Bringing you the third instalment of The Parcel by Marie Claire today, the Autumn Edit.

I was sent the very first box as a press sample, and was planning to continue to purchase the next few edits, however I missed the cut of date for the Summer box, which I believe was very well received in the beauty blogger-sphere.

You can find my review of the first edition of The Parcel here, along with information regarding ordering options and costs.

I purchased this box as a one off, paying $29.95 ( including postage ), and was very much looking forward to it! I have mentioned in prior posts, that a crucial element of the whole beauty box subscription for me, is consistency. Companies will often hit it out of the park with the first couple of boxes, and then gradually descend into the less than exciting/mediocre land of disappointment.

Ok, Autumn Edit...let's see what you've got!

Marie Claire - The Parcel - Autumn Edit

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance RRP $12.95

One of two, full size complexion products, is the very new ( now in store ) Rimmel London BB cream Radiance. I was given the shade Light, which on swatching is very neutral toned, to the point of looking a little ashy on my skin, and has quite a thick, mousse-like texture. The Rimmel Matte BB cream is one of my absolute favourite drugstore BB creams. It has a beautiful satin finish on the skin  ( not really matte in my opinion ), lovely medium coverage, blends beautifully, and is very smoothing to my old pores. I am in the shade light in the Matte version, which is definitely warmer and slightly darker than this Radiance version. I would highly recommend swatching in store, as I believe these shades run quite light ( good news for those pale beauties out there ). I will put this one through it's paces and keep you updated.

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Skin Cream RRP $19.95

The second full size complexion product is one I have definitely had my eye on! Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup has spoken quite favourably about this product recently, and I am very keen to see how it looks and performs on my skin. It has quite a few nice ingredients, including one of my favourites, Niacinamide, which helps to renew and exfoliate the skin, aiding in the lightening of dark spots and pigmentation. My first thought was to try this as a base for mineral foundation, so I will keep you posted with my thoughts! It is one of those "colour adjusting" formula's that as you apply and work into the skin changes from white, to a flesh toned shade...some of these types of products end up being a little too dark for me... none the less, I am looking forward to testing it out!

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml Deluxe Sample - Full Size 
RRP $95.00

A nice sized, high end skincare sample to try.... I haven't heard a great deal about this serum, but happy to pop it into the rotation, and see how it compares with my current favourites. It claims to address the many visible signs of ageing skin ( puts hand up ), so if it is worthy of a mention you may here about this one again. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara RRP $23.95

Another product that I have heard a lot about, I am keen to see if this one lives up to the hype! I believe it is a plastic wand, with shorter bristles, and a defining and lengthening formula. I have to say though that I believe that some Max Factor products are a little on the expensive side... has anyone else found that, or is it just me?  

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream, Deluxe sample, Full Size RRP $42.00

I was very pleased to see a little bit of L'Occitane in this box! I do love a little bit of L'Occitane!

I received the Shea Butter, and opened it up and slathered it on my hands straight away. A nice, little luxury addition, I'm sure most people would be happy to receive one of these. They are the perfect size for your handbag, and the formula is extremely nourishing without being too heavy or greasy.

MOR Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Triple-Milled Soap RRP $19.95

Now, I don't mind the scent of Gardenia, in fact, it is one of my favourite flowers. However, I have to say that I was personally a little disappointed when I saw this. I ADORE many of the MOR scents... Blood Orange, Lychee...not to mention the gloriously beautiful Marshmallow, a huge favourite of mine. I am also not really a soap girl, and the scent of this is just a little headache inducing to me. Sadly, into the knickers draw it will go, or perhaps re-gifted to someone that might use and enjoy it. 

Schick Hydro Silk Razor RRP $14.25 &  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes RRP $3.99

Two handy and practical products to include, both the razor and the wipes are great to have in the cupboard. I do not typically (aka ever) use wipes, however this little mini pack will be handy for travel, or to pop in your purse. 

I like the idea of the moisturising gel surrounding the blades on the razor... I only shave my underarms ( sorry...that's a bit TMI? ), so will throw this one in the shower and give it a go!

My thoughts...

Overall, I am very happy with the Autumn Edition of The Parcel. Like the first box I received, I think it represents excellent value, and contains a nice mix of cosmetics, skincare and body care. 

To be honest though, I wasn't quite as excited about this box. As I said, the MOR soap really isn't a hit with me, and considering the many other modern, stunning scents and products that MOR makes, I just feel that they could have done so much better!! I would have been happy with a little perfume sample, of any of the other scents that I mentioned above. Having said that, I'm sure there are many people who do love it, and will enjoy it.

The facial wipes are another thing, for me personally, that didn't really tickle my fancy, however I know many people use them all the time and love them. It is impossible to please everybody all of the time! The first box appealed to me immensely, though I am sure that for some it may not have. You have to keep these things in perspective I think.

All of the other products I will happily use and enjoy testing, I love that there are so many full size products, and I would still definitely recommend The Parcel to anyone considering trying a new beauty subscription box. I plan on purchasing the Winter Edit, and reviewing it for you as well.

Click the link here to find out all about The Parcel!

What do you think of the Autumn Edit? Have you tried The Parcel? Do let me know your thoughts below in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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THE PARCEL by marie claire | Spring Edit | Review

Holla beauty babes! There's a new kid on the 'beauty box' block! 

The Parcel by marie claire has launched this month, offering beauty lovers a luxe sample box of seasonal beauty bits to keep you looking gorgeous this Spring. 

Containing products hand picked by the Beauty Editors of marie claire magazine, The Parcel is not your typical beauty subscription service, allowing the customer several different payment options. The Parcel will be released quarterly, with each box representative of the beauty must haves for each particular season. 

The first box, and the one I have to share with you today, is the Spring Edit. I was gifted this box for the purpose of reviewing and sharing the contents with you, my readers.

You may choose to purchase each parcel as they are released, which will set you back $25.00 AU each. Alternatively, you can subscribe to all four parcels for $90.00 AU, giving you a $10 saving. There is also an offer on the website to combine a yearly subscription to marie claire magazine, along with a yearly The Parcel subscription.

Let's have a look inside!

marie claire The Parcel - Spring Edit

A nice personal touch, the outer packaging of The Parcel has your name and address printed on it. I have just covered mine with the wee purple flower for privacy reasons.

marie claire The Parcel - Spring Edit

marie claire The Parcel - Spring Edit

The goods...

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 7ml ( Full size 30ml $97.00 AU ).

Being the skincare obsessive that I am, I was very chuffed to see some skincare included in the box, and from a luxury brand as well! This is the newly released Skin Perfecting Serum from Lancome. I shall be happily throwing this into my serum rotation, however this deluxe sample size would also be perfect for travel. Nice.

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner deluxe mini ( full size RRP $35.00 AU ) and They're Real Mascara deluxe mini ( full size RRP $38.00 AU ).

Not one but two Benefit products! One with a cult following, and the other a new release this year. I have heard quite mixed reviews of Benefit's Push-Up liner, so am very interested to form my own opinion. If you can see in the photograph above, they have managed to design the mini with the same silicone tip that you see on the full size product. I have tried They're Real mascara before, and while I love the intensely black, volumised, gorgeous lashes that it gives you, I also find that it transfers to my upper eyelid. I do know of many people that really love this mascara, and I think both of these products are really exciting inclusions.

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain 005 Parisian ( RRP $25.95 ).

We have just seen these launch in Australia in the last month, and I had not yet purchased any shades, so I was excited to see this full size product! My shade, Parisian, is right up my alley!! 

There are 12 shades available in the range, and there will be varying shades throughout the boxes. This can be a bit pot-luck, however sometimes you find yourself challenged to move out of your comfort zone, and try something you may not have chosen for yourself.

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Purse-size Hairspray ( RRP $4.95 ).

Personally, I am a fan of L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray, so this purse-size will definitely come in handy! It is a great formula, never feels crunchy or sticky in your hair, and brushes out easily. I have re-purchased many times, and happy to have a little baby one! 

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner 40ml ( RRP 200ml $4.99 ).

The Parcel states that this is Pantene's new formulation, which I don't believe has been released in-store yet? I believe these are a bonus inclusion in this Spring Edit. Perfect travel size bottles, these will accompany me on my next holiday. I am fairly consistently switching up my hair care, and love trying new products, and testing out new formulations.

Gwen Stefani by OPI Nail Laquer  - Love. Angel. Music. Baby.  - $19.95 AU each 

(six shades available). 

Oh a full size OPI nail polish! Be still my beating heart! One of the more expensive polishes for us Aussie girls, I know many people just can't justify paying full price for OPI.  Now I admit, I have quite the collection of OPI polishes, but I had not purchased any shades from the Gwen Stefani collection. I am happy to have this pretty, almost matte finish pale gold. I have applied two coats, and no top coat in the photograph above. I believe that most of the shades in the collection are fairly universal, and would appeal to most people.

I am very impressed with The Parcel's Spring Edit. I think that it represents excellent value for money, and I feel that the $25.00 price tag is very reasonable. 

I really like that it is quarterly. I have found with beauty subscription boxes in the past, ( and I have tried quite a few! ) that the monthly box can become a little tiresome. Some boxes are great, others leave a lot to be desired. There is nothing worse than opening up your box and being disappointed.

I will admit, with previous companies, I have ended up with a large variety of little samples, and products that I just don't reach for, and have given many away to friends and family. I can honestly say that I will enjoy trying all of these new products ( yep, I'll even give the mascara another go! ).

I like the included brands. There is a good mix of both high end and less expensive brands. I think that it is important to have a good balance where that is concerned. We all know, that a higher price point does not always mean a better, or more effective product. However, the inclusion of the more luxe brands gives you an opportunity to try products that you might not wish to otherwise part with your hard earned money for.

I think there is a nice balance between the different products. This Parcel included skincare, makeup, nail polish and hair care. I like having a little bit of everything to try, and I think a lot of people would appreciate this as well.

You can find The Parcel here

You can sign up for this Spring Edit box now! I have just now checked the website, and they are still accepting orders, so be quick lovelies!! Your Spring Edit will be delivered to your door between the 6-10th October.

The Parcel is currently only available in Australia.

Have you signed up for The Parcel? What are you thoughts on the products included? Do you feel that it represents good value? Let me know in the comments below! I have tried lots of beauty boxes in the past, I would love to know what you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: My review and thoughts are always honest, whether I have purchased a product, or it has been provided for my review. I have purposely not viewed, or read any other reviews prior to publishing my own. I will be signing up myself for The Parcel, and will continue to provide reviews of each of the boxes as they are released. Cheers xx

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Her Fashion Box January 2014

Her Fashion Box has started the year off with a January box full of lovely goodies! I have another 'Feminine' style box to share with you today.

I heard recently that Her Fashion Box will become available internationally in early 2014, which is very exciting!

Also launching early 2014 will be the new 'Her Fitness Box', a monthly subscription box based on good health, nutrition and fitness. Check their website for more details here

Hope you are all having a lovely day wherever you may be!!

Her Fashion Box January Spread

Urban Rituelle Lip Balm - Passionfruit   ( RRP $9.95 ) 
Her Fashion Box Pearl Purse  ( RRP $7.95 )

Her Fashion Box Blush Necklace  ( RRP $24.95 )
Her Fashion Box Flashback Scarf  ( RRP $24.94 )

Her Fashion Box Pocket Manicure Kit $7.95

Jbronze Face Flawless Tan ( RRP 30ml $24.95 )
Jbronze Shimmer Instant Illuminiser ( RRP 100ml $24.95 )

Both samples are 5ml each.

Babe No3. Pink Salt Body Scrub 30gm sample ( RRP 200gm $21.95 )

Muesli For Me 'Her Fashion Box' Mix 45gm sample
Green Smoothie Co. 2 x 10gm sachets ( RRP 5 x 10gm sachets $15.00 )

Cantik Palms Notebook ( RRP $19.95 )

Muesli For Me voucher, Adore Tanning voucher.



I was really pleased when I opened my January box! So many great things to try, and lots of variety! I really like how they have mixed up the beauty bits too...I don't mind a few boxes with less makeup and more body products for a change. I also really appreciated that the vouchers included are directly related to the products in the box...something I had a gripe with (a very small one) in a previous box.
I love the scarf and necklace, the little coin purse is very sweet and always handy for your handbag.
This month, and the November 2013 box are thus far my favourites!!




So here's what I'm imagining....

 1.Wiz up my green smoothie, whilst munching on my muesli, followed by a good old scrub in the shower with my pink salt scrub.

2...get the Jennifer Hawkins bronze glow shimmer lotion on the bod....( it doesn't hurt to dream folks.. )

3.Get dressed, accessorising with my gorgeous statement necklace and enormously beautiful soft scarf...

4...apply the 'good enough to eat' Passionfruit lip balm to my kisser and pause briefly to write a witty and humorous diary entry in my fab new notebook..... *phew*



As always, looking forward to sharing my February box!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Her Fashion Box November 2013

I have the Her Fashion Box 'Feminine' edition to share with you today! I had decided to switch it up from the Classic box this month, and I am enjoying the change of style to something a little softer.

Although my box was a little late due to a few technical difficulties, I can assure you that my experience with their customer service team was excellent. Prompt, friendly communication which resulted in my box arriving a few days later complete with a few extra goodies. Nice.  

Her Fashion Box "Feminine" November 2013

Her Fashion Box "Laces At The Races" necklace  RRP $14.95

Her Fashion Box "Powder Puff" bracelet  RRP $19.95

Orly Nail Lacquers in "Peaceful Opposition" and "Lollipop" RRP $18.95 each

Two coats of "Lollipop" ...accent nails have one coat of "Peaceful Opposition"

Lollipop applied nicely, two coats to achieve a nice opaque finish, lovely formula which was easy to work with. Peaceful Opposition has a very sheer creamy base, and square and hex silver glitters. Perfect subtle glitter topper.

Model Co Gel Eyeliner in Black RRP $26.00

Her Fashion Box 'Ring Around the Rosie' bangle pack  RRP $14.95

The inbuilt brush worked quite nicely to apply the gel liner, however after first use you can see some of the brush hairs starting to splay a little. The gel liner itself was smooth, creamy and lovely to apply, however after several hours did start to transfer and smudge. I have quite oily eyelids though, and need to play around with this a little more and try some different eye primers.

Urban Rituelle Beachcomer Soothing Body Balm in 'Coconut and Honey', and 'Island Citrus'.

Coconut and Honey   "...A smooth and velvety fragrance of blissfully sweet coconut and flowery nectar, dipped in warm honey.."

Island Citrus  " ...A delightfully refreshing fragrance bursting with crisp citrus notes of orange,lime and grapefruit, layered with the soft scent of bergamot and rose..."

Oh yes...such a beautiful formula, very nourishing, not sticky or tacky, and smells Devine!

*immediately rubs all over poor tired body*

There is a promo code for 20% off your next purchase from Urban Rituelle inside the HFB magazine. 

Soothing Body Balms are also available in the blends "Mango Melt" and "Frangipani"

....I need to lie down...

Her Fashion Box hair donut RRP $6.95   

Her Fashion Box "The Twiggy" head scarf  RRP $9.95

Having blonde highlighted hair might be an issue for the black hair donut, so I will gift this to a friend! The head scarf, which is more of a headband really, is quite pretty, however I find headbands nice at first then they just annoy me! See the picture below for my take on a feminine look using the scarf in a different way. I added a braid to a side bun, and a matte bright pink lip!

Hallmark Signature Collection Cards RRP $6.99 - $12.99

A nice box filler. Everyone can use a nice card, and you could decide to gift something from your box to someone and you have a lovely card to go with it!

I am enjoying my change to the Feminine box. I think this month's box is very good value, in particular having two full sized Orly nail polishes! Loving the statement necklace and the cuff, the bangles are not really my bag, you can see from the picture above I just took out the neon pink ones and kept the gold.

LOVING the Urban Rituelle goodies and will definitely be heading to their website to check out their others products ( candles, lip balms...*swoon* )

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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Her Fashion Box October 2013

Greetings!

Coming at you with another Her Fashion Box for October 2013!
I stuck with my "Classic" theme for this month, and thought I would share some photos of my goodies with you today. Hope you are having lovely day wherever you may be!

October Classic Box spread

L- Her Fashion Box 'The Eternal' ring. RRP $7.95
R- Her Fashion Box 'Trail Blazer' ring. RRP $14.95

Her Fashion Box 'Great Southern Land' necklace. RRP $29.95

Ulta 3 Lipstick RRP $3.95   Revitanail Triple Strength-Pomegranite RRP $14.95

LonVitalite Collagen Crystal Eye Mask RRP $24 for 6 masks

Tea With Benefits Skin Bright 15g loose leaf sample and tea strainer.

Style Rocks Gift Certificate. Hello Fresh Gift Certificate.


Another lovely box this month! I am looking forward to playing with everything a little more. The stand outs for me would be the two rings, turquoise and silver make such a classic combination. Looking forward to testing out the Revitanail polish, love a good red shade, and in a strengthening formula which is always a bonus. I believe the Ulta 3 lipstick was meant to be a matte formula, however on swatching mine was a cream formula, however it is a pretty shade.

To be honest I would probably prefer not to have the gift certificates, only because I tend to forget about them. I know many people would love them, but for me personally, I would rather have another small item in my box, or a gift certificate that is directly related to the brands featured in the box.

I would love to hear from you if you receive Her Fashion Box, or are thinking of subscribing. I think I may switch to the 'Feminine' box next month for a change. If you have any questions please leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Her Fashion Box September 2013

Hi Everyone!

Come and have a look inside my September edition of Her Fashion Box! This is my second box, since subscribing in August, and I am loving it! A great combination of on trend fashion accessories and beauty bits to delight. 

There are three themed boxes to choose from...Classic, Feminine and Trendy. The Her Fashion Box website has a detailed personal profile section, to assist in your box being as customisable as possible.

Founded by two Australian fashion and beauty entrepreneurs, Kath Purkis and Kerry Osborn, Her Fashion Box brings you great quality, excellent value for money, and brilliant customer service, all wrapped up in a beautiful box delivered to your door.

What more could a girl ask for???

Inside the box this month!

Maybelline New York Colorshow Nail Laquers RRP $5.95
Left-430 Onyx Rush   Right-310 Iced Queen

My Her Fashion Box inspired mani!
I added Maybelline's Gold's Night Out to complement my gold accessories

Loving both of these shades! Onxy Rush is my very first black nail polish, it was opaque and glossy in two coats! Iced Queen was just as impressive in application and longevity, and the perfect shade for spring. Very happy for these two to join my growing collection of Maybelline Colorshow polishes.

Her Fashion Box "Memories of McQueen" clutch RRP $39.95

A beautiful, classic black clutch with gold stud detail. You can't go wrong with this gorgeous accessory. This will definitely be accompanying me on my next night out!

Her Fashion Box 'Androgychic' ID Bracelet RRP $29.95
Her Fashion Box ' The Midas Touch' ring RRP $24.95

These pieces are real gold plated, and lovely quality. I will often accessorise with just one piece of statement jewellery, and have received many complements when wearing these.

Designer Brands Chubby Lip Crayon ' Guava Kiss' RRP $7.99
Designer Brands Kohl Pencil in Black RRP $4.99

Designer Brands Chubby Lip Crayon ' Guava Kiss' swatched in natural light

This lip crayon has found its way nicely into my handbag. Im loving this shade for spring/summer. The formula is comfortable and hydrating. Will definitely be checking out some other shades, especially for the price!

Lon Vitalite Collagen firming and moisturising facial mask
RRP $29.00 for a pack of 5 masks

I am a big fan of masks of all kinds. Sheet masks are becoming more and more popular for their ease of use and lovely hydrating qualities. This one from Lon Vitalite didn't disappoint. Simple, 'good for skin' ingredients. Left my skin plump and hydrated. Thumbs up from me.

PureTAN Pure Moisture Organic Extra Virgin 100% Coconut Oil, trial size
RRP 65ml $11.95  125ml $23.95

I have incorporated coconut oil into my beauty/skincare routine over the last three or four months. Such a brilliant multi-tasking product. Definitely worthy of a post all on its own in the future. This offering from PureTAN is lovely, and the perfect size for travel. I normally purchase my coconut oil from my local health food store, or supermarket. Not sure that I would repurchase the full size of this only because it is a little more expensive. 

SO....I am thoroughly enjoying all my goodies from my September box! If you would like any more information or reviews on any of the items shown above please leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer! 

Go and have a browse at Her Fashion Box here

Not long now until the October box arrives! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

Disclaimer: I am subscribed to Her Fashion Box and pay for it with my own hard earned money. All opinions expressed are, and will always be, honest and my own.

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