Haul: February 2012 Bellabox

How quickly a month passes! Just last month I blogged about receiving my first Bellabox, and already, I've received my February Bellabox - the Valentine's edition. ^~^

Here's what I received:

 

The theme this month was "Share the Love" - timely because February is Valentine's month! It's a shame that I only received this after Valentine's Day, because I would have loved to use the perfume - it smells divine!

 

 

First up: Pangea Organics Discovery Kit (S$59.95, presumably for full-size versions)

This is a set of three sachets, namely:

(1) Facial mask in Japanese Matcha with Acai and Goji Berry

(2) Shower gel in Italian White Sage with Geranium and Yarrow

(3) Facial cream in Nigerian Ginger with Lavender and Thyme

Now, I have a pet peeve - I don't like things that come in sachets, especially beauty products. To my mind, they're fiddly, flat, messy to use and really don't deliver enough product to make it worthwhile. I mean, imagine showering with whatever's in that little packet! Hmm... perhaps it's just me?

Still, the ingredients sound wholesome and, well, organic. I think these might come in handy for when I'm next away from home, and don't want to use the shower gel and cleansing products that the hotel provides.

Duchess Marden Body Serum (200 ml for S$89.89)

This product claims to "hydrate, soften and stimulate new cell growth" that is easily absorbed into the skin, without leaving any residue. I'm psyched to use this, because who couldn't use more beautiful, glowing skin? Rather pleased to receive this!

Nvey Eco Organic Eyeshadow in 150 Charcoal Blue (S$49.90)

I quite like the product samples offered by Bellabox, because a lot aren't available in Singapore except through the Bellabox website. A whole eyeshadow is pretty generous, even though it comes packed in a transparent disposable plastic casing. This comes in a lovely shade of grey/blue, which, even though I haven't swatched it, looks like it'd make for pretty eyes if the colour payoff is good. In addition, these eyeshadows are talc-free and have ingredients such as chamomile and jojoba. Pretty alright for an eyeshadow - beautifying your skin while making your eyes beautiful (yay playing with words!).

Oscar De La Renta Esprit D'Oscar (100ml for S$125)

Okay, so this one I've tried. It's gorgeous. I love, love, love the scent! It consists of a heady mix of floral, oriental notes, which is so sophisticated. Basically, this scent is an updated version of the original perfume created by Oscar De La Renta in 1977. I must confess that I'm a bit of a perfumey girl (I actually have -eep- about 5 on rotation right now), so this will be a great addition to my collection. ^~^

 

Ansley Show Hot Dual Volume Mascara (S$12.90)

I didn't manage to get a good photo of this, but here's the deal. Ansley is a Korean cosmetics brand, and is one of those dual-ended mascaras that consists of a white-coloured priming essence on one end, and a very black mascara on the other. What I liked about the mascara (in particular) is the brush on the mascara end. It's kind of twisty, which is pretty alright for adding volume to puny lashes (like mine)!

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with what I received this month. Thanks Bellabox, here's to next month!

Haul: January 2012 Bellabox

First off, I have sad news. My camera has decided to throw in the towel, so goodbye to pretty, sharp photographs until I can get a new one! 

Does anyone have any good digicam recommendations? I'm open to suggestions!

I wanted to share some pictures that I took of my very first Bellabox! Bellabox is a service where, for S$15 a month, you'll get a curated box of 4 to 5 deluxe samples from high-end brands, ranging from health & beauty samples to fragrance, make-up and lifestyle products. Much like Birchbox and Glamabox.

A part of me thinks that this may very likely be a fad, but hey, as long as the samples are good, I don't mind paying the monthly S$15. ^~^ Here's what I got in the January 2012 Bellabox. 

Picspam ahead! First off, the lovely packaging:

The theme of this month's box was "A New Year, A New You". Samples leaned towards organic, holistic enrichment of the body and soul. Nice, because these are unlikely to break any New Years' Resolutions! 

 

Samples were wrapped with tissue paper, topped with a pretty sticker. Felt like I was opening a present! 

Belif Hydra Sebum Control Essence (10ml; 50ml retails for S$57)

Hydra sebum controls the release of excess sebum and oil in your skin, making the pores smaller and leaving your skin feeling dry on the outside but soft and moisturised on the outside.

This looks really cool. I've always wondered if these oil control products work (besides Tea Tree Oil), and am keen to give this a shot!

Dr Jart BB Cream (15ml; 50ml retails for S$33)

This unique triple action formula containing innovative active ingredients aims at naturally covering skin blemishes, protecting skin from UV rays and activating skin rejuvenation. It also smoothes wrinkles and fine lines while providing nourishment to the skin. 

I've heard so much about this! Can't wait to give it a try - there was a time when everyone was using Dr Jart BB Cream. Really pleased with this one. ^^

 

Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel (1 packette; 10 packettes retail for S$71)

This do-it-yourself beauty treatment gives you all the ingredients, expertise and secrets straight from the dermatologist's office. This amazing product is anti-aging, brightening, complexion clearing and perfect or all skin types. You will see immediate results for a radiant and glowing complexion.

Am interested to try this out. I've never done anything remotely resembling a skin peel before, so this should be fun, especially when it claims to give awesome results. 

Herban Essentials Towelette (Lemon, 20 towelettes retail for S$18)

Herban Essentials essential oil towelettes are made with the highest quality pure essential oil, which not only makes them smell amazing, but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. Available in Lemon, Orange and Lavender. 

This looks a bit like a high-end wet wipe to me, but I'll keep this handy in my purse and we'll see how well it works!

 

Pangea Organics Lip Balm (Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom, retails for S$14.50)

Pangea Organics have created a long lasting lip balm that deeply moisturises, nourishes and protects lips. There are 3 flavours available: Egyptian Fennel with Grapefruit and Sweet Orange, Italian Red Mandarin with Rose and Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom.

Definitely most pleased with this sample. It's full-size, and I'm a fiend for lip stuff, so this is perfect! The other 2 flavours sounded a little more exciting, but lavender doesn't seem too bad either. Can't wait to try this out!

All in all, I enjoyed exploring the contents of my January 2012 Bellabox, and am looking forward to roadtesting the products - and receiving next months' Bellabox! 

Do you use any sample services like Bellabox? Share your experiences in the comments! ^~^