The Science of Beauty: February BellaBox

I have posted about the sample box phenomenon in the past but have never experienced a bellabox sample box for myself...until now!

For $15 per month you will get 5 of the latest prestige, boutique and cult beauty products from around the world. They have around 150 brands on board so there is a huge range of potential products that you could receive. You can see the full list of brands here.

When you sign up, you fill in an online profile and then get sent a box tailored to your profile. Four different boxes go out each month. For the purpose of this review, I was just sent a random box so one of the products wasn't suitable for me; however, had they had my profile this most likely would not have happened.

So, what was in my February box?

I got Box C and in it was:

Bastiste dry shampoo 30g - I have heard nothing but rave reviews for this so quite excited to try it (value $2)
John Freida Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone Correcting shampoo and conditioner 45ml - I am a brunette so if I were a subscriber I would have been a tad annoyed receiving this; however, I am sure that if I were a subscriber and they had in my profile that I am a brunette then I shouldn't have received this. (value - about $6.50)
Naturals Natural Paw Paw ointment 7g - handy for the handbag. (value - $1.40)
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polish in 677 Shoot the Moon - a glorious metallic silver shade - one I'd definitely get plenty of wear out of (full size - value $14.95)
Gatineau DefiLift 3D Resculpting Lift Cream 15ml - at 32 this is definitely the type of product I am now in the market for and 15ml is a very generous size (value $42)
U Skin Solutions Nourishing Cleansing Milk (not sure the volume - maybe 5ml?) - smells all herbally and divine, I look forward to trying it. (value - about $1.50)

Total value of the box - $68.35. Definitely worth the $15 subscription fee.

I have listed below the contents of all 4 boxes for you to compare. The sizes of the products listed are the full sizes, not the sizes received in each box (I'm not sure what they are). It looks like every box got the Bastiste Dry Shampoo and a U Skin Solutions sample but then the other contents varied.

What I loved about bellabox:

great value - my box was worth $68.35 so over four times the cost price of $15
great range of products - I had hair care, skin care and nail polish
good quality brands

What I didn't like:

It's only a minor thing but I am not sure whether I like the four different boxes. I am the type of person to get box envy so would prefer that the boxes are the same but personalised - ie my box would have contained the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette range rather than the blonde products. However, in saying that I am guessing that you would have been giving the option, in the preferences, to select the type of products you prefer ie make up, skincare etc and I would have chosen skincare as that is my real passion. Looking at the list of products, Box D is most likely the one for us skincare junkies and I would have loved that box, so maybe it is not such a bad thing after all.

BellaBaby and Men's Box

When I was surfing the bellabox website for more info I discovered that they have a men's box ($30 per quarter) and a baby box ($24.95 per month). To be perfectly honest, the men's box is not something that would interest my husband. He likes looking after his skin but is a creature of habit and doesn't like changing his products much - why fix something that already works! However, The bellababy box is something that very much interests me. I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old so am forever testing out new products on them. The Crazy Kid has normal skin so I can use pretty much whatever I like on him (though interestingly he is very sensitive to sunscreens); however, Kiki has sensitive skin with a tendency to get eczema so I need to be quite careful with her. This would be a great way to find out what works for her and what doesn't. $24.95 is a little on the pricey side for baby products - I am not sure whether I would normally spend that on products for my kids each month but I am a fair way into my parenting journey. In the early days I found myself at Priceline every second day picking up something new to fix The Crazy Kids latest nappy rash/graze/gunky eyes/skin irritation so a box like this would have been awesome. A three month subscription would be the perfect post birth present for a new mum.

Anyway, so far I have been impressed with bellabox. For those that are interested, here are the contents of all four boxes that went out in Feb.

Box A

EYE OF HORUS EYELINER IN BRONZE AMULET GODDESS PENCIL OR CHARCOAL OBSIDIAN GODDESS PENCIL – LUXE! Incorporating all the features of the traditional smokey pencil but in a stunning bronze or charcoal shade. Get the most shimmering eyes in the room! RRP $30.00 available at bellabox.com.au

FING’RS NAIL MAKEUP – COLOUR PRODUCT! Frost your fingers with these mega-watt Fing’rs nail stickers and add easy self-expression to your everyday manicure! 22 nail stickers RRP $9.99 available at Coles and Kmart

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE DREAM CURLS CURL PERFECTING SPRAY – CULT CLASSIC Want sexy waves that last? Turn to Frizz Ease. A few spritzes will help to hold pre-styled curls, or add definition and extra waves to naturally curly locks. Time to confidently flick your stunning mane around in front of your main squeeze! 198ml RRP $16.99 available at Coles, Woolworths, Priceline, Target and selected pharmacies nationally

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO – MUST HAVE Our bb favourite Batiste is back in their new pretty in pink packaging – we guarantee it’ll be the new love of your life next time you need fresh locks fast! 150ml RRP $9.95 available at supermarkets and pharmacies

U SKIN SOLUTIONS CLARIFYING CLEANSING GEL - SUPER SKIN CARE This refreshing cleansing gel, with lemon myrtle and the antibacterial properties of tea-tree, helps to thoroughly remove dirt and impurities from the skin’s surface, all while smelling sweet! 125ml RRP $32.95 available at bellabox.com.au

OR

U SKIN SOLUTIONS CLEAN AND GO EXFOLIATING GEL CLEANSER - SUPER SKIN CARE This two in one cleansing and exfoliating solution is perfect for keeping pores clear and clean. Calendula, antibacterial tea-tree oil and super fine bamboo beads leave your skin feeling soft and smooth! 125ml RRP $30.95 available at bellabox.com.au

BANANA BOAT SPORT SPF 30+ – BONUS PRODUCT! It’s still summer, so make sure you are taking extra care to look after your skin with the Banana Boat range. It’s a must for essential skin care! 200g RRP $14.99 available at grocery retailers, pharmacies and convenience outlets

Box B

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE – LUXE! There is a reason this multipurpose oil is a French favourite. Giving intense nourishment for face, body and hair without a greasy after-touch, the sweet scented oil will become your favourite too. 50ml RRP $24.95 available at bellabox.com.au

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE – COLOUR PRODUCT! No time for a salon mani? No stress! Achieve the at-home quality trifecta: a gel-like shine finish, fast and easy application and chip resistance. Enjoy your choice of three shimmering shades: Mermaids Tail, Golden Rule and Shoot the Moon. 14.7ml RRP $14.95 available at Priceline and selected pharmacies

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE DREAM CURLS CURL PERFECTING SPRAY – CULT CLASSIC Want sexy waves that last? Turn to Frizz Ease. A few spritzes will help to hold pre-styled curls, or add definition and extra waves to naturally curly locks. Time to confidently flick your stunning mane around in front of your main squeeze! 198ml RRP $16.99 available at Coles, Woolworths, Priceline, Target and selected pharmacies nationally

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO – MUST HAVE Our bb favourite Batiste is back in their new pretty in pink packaging – we guarantee it’ll be the new love of your life next time you need fresh locks fast! 150ml RRP $9.95 available at supermarkets and pharmacies

U SKIN SOLUTIONS CLEAN AND GO EXFOLIATING GEL CLEANSER - SUPER SKIN CARE This two in one cleansing and exfoliating solution is perfect for keeping pores clear and clean. Calendula, antibacterial tea-tree oil and super fine bamboo beads leave your skin feeling soft and smooth! 125ml RRP $30.95 available at bellabox.com.au

BANANA BOAT SPORT SPF 30+ – BONUS PRODUCT! It’s still summer, so make sure you are taking extra care to look after your skin with the Banana Boat range. It’s a must for essential skin care! 200g RRP $14.99 available at grocery retailers, pharmacies and convenience outlets

Box C

GATINEAU MOISTURISING RANGE – LUXE! ENJOY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Melatogenine Future Plus Day and Night Cream 50ml RRP $240, Melatogenine Day Cream 50ml RRP $165, Defi Lift 3d Throat & Décolleté Cream 50ml RRP $140, Defi Lift Resculpting Lift Cream with Botufix 50ml RRP $165, Nutriactive Nourishing Day Cream 50ml RRP $$98, Gatineau Aquamemory Moisture Replenish Cream 50ml RRP $104. For more information visit bellabox.com.au

NATRALUS NATURAL PAW PAW OINTMENT - ESSENTIAL Add a touch of natural shine to your pout this V-day. No petrochemicals with all paw paw means your lips will feel soft and free to kiss whomever they please! 30g RRP $5.95 available at bellabox.com.au

JOHN FRIEDA SHEER BLONDE COLOUR RENEW TONE CORRECTING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER OR JOHN FRIEDA SHEER BLONDE GO BLONDER LIGHTENING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER – CULT CLASSIC Go longer in between colour treatments with new looking locks! Get your best hair yet this V-Day and flick your stunning mane in front of your main squeeze! Both 250ml RRP $17.99 available at Coles, Woolworths, Priceline, Target and selected pharmacies nationally

U SKIN SOLUTIONS NOURISHING CLEANSING MILK - SUPER SKIN CARE This nourishing cleansing milk with added vitamin B5, Australian sandalwood and lilly pilly helps assist the gently elimination of daily grime and impurities, and feels silky, smooth and luxurious on your skin! 125ml RRP $32.95 available at bellabox.com.au

Box D

BE IN AWE SKIN SAMSKRTA SKIN POLISH – LUXE Designed to remove dead skin cells and leave skin looking (and feeling!) soft and radiant, this polish combines cranberry extract, gluconic acid, vitamin B3 and co-enzyme Q10 with micro jojoba beads. Hello vibrant shimmering skin! 30ml RRP $29.00 available at bellabox.com.au

BIODERMA CREALINE H2O - CULT! This cult cleansing water removes every trace of makeup (even waterproof mascara) as well as the impurities in your skin at a cellular level. Plus, it’s safe on eyes. Wonder product alert! 250ml RRP $29.95 available at bellabox.com.au

BANANA BOAT EVERYDAY SPF 30+ – BONUS PRODUCT! It’s still summer, so make sure you are taking extra care to look after your skin and using a top notch SPF. Our pick? The Banana Boat range. Because you can’t shimmer and shine without nourished and cared for skin! 200g RRP $14.99 available at grocery retailers, pharmacies and convenience outlets

You can subscribe to bellabox box here. They offer either a month by month subscription ($15/month) or a yearly subscription ($165) or 3, 6, or 12 month gift subscriptions,

What are your thoughts on sample boxes. Do you love receiving your box of goodies each month or are you up to your eyeballs in samples?

All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. This box was provided for consideration.

The Science of Beauty

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Friday 15 February 2013

February BellaBox