Memebox Superbox #78 Dirty Gal

Kia Ora!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful festive season, and managed to spend time with family. I spent the day with my SO's family, just relaxing and eating so much food! I won't be eating for days!  I took a break yesterday from blogging, but this post is up (followed by the usual posting schedule next week). Enjoy the holiday season!

Time to get dirty with Memebox! Well, if they've put in some exciting (and a bit gross) products that is.

Memebox Superbox #62 Just Gellin'

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The next update in the Memebox saga is the Just Gellin' box. I wasn't really sure what this box would be, and bought it in a fit of "I must have all the Memeboxes I can get my hands on". That's why I have so many unboxings at the moment!

Memebox Special #46 From Jeju

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Today we have another Memebox to explore. This one I've been looking forward to for months. I'm really excited to get a box that will have ingredients from one island in Korea. Jeju is known for it's volcanic and mud products, and I'm hoping there are some good ones in this box!

Goodiebox - Christmas Box 2014

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Today we are taking a brief break from the ongoing onslaught of Memebox, and checking out the Christmas Goodiebox! I was blown away by last years version, and absolutely had to have this box. Let's see if it was worth it? 

(Full disclosure here: I've cancelled my subscription prior to this box, but I wanted to see if Goodiebox were able to make a comeback from the seriously average boxes they've had for the last few months). 

Memebox Special #50 Step-by-Step Skincare

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Bonus post since I've been so slack this month (and have a huge backlog of Memebox posts to go up). Enjoy!

With a title like Step-by-step skincare I couldn't resist this box. Let's jump in and see what's in store today! I'm hoping for an entire skincare routine (not that I need one, but I want to see what exciting products I can discover).

Memebox Princess Edition #4 The Little Mermaid

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I snapped up the Princess boxes as soon as they came out (well two out of three) and was hoping for some extra special skincare products. For the Little Mermaid I'm thinking some clay or sea salt face products, and maybe some feet items? Who really knows, but we'll find out.

Memebox Special #44 Very Berry

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The next box to unbox is Very Berry! I love all kinds of berries, so this box was a no-brainer for me. Let's see what Memebox thinks goes well in this box.

Memebox Special #45 Chocolate Mania

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Back to blogging about the Memepocalypse. I'll get there slowly over the next wee while.

I love my Cacao box so much, that I bought the next chocolate installment within minutes of discovering it on the Memebox site. I can't wait to see how it compares! I don't know of anything that is better than Chocolate!

Beauty Review Beauty Box - the first installment!

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I know I've been a bit absent recently, but life has been spectacularly busy and the blog has been the thing to suffer. I've also been a bit Memeboxed out, but today I have a new box to share. 

This is the first ever Beauty Review Beauty box! Guaranteed to have great value, and full-sized products. I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the box, and I'm so glad it is finally here. I debated waiting till Christmas, but my self-restraint is not that strong. So here we go!

Memebox Special #49 Hair & Body 4: Spa Edition

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I've had about 10 Memeboxes arrive in the last 10 days, so I was clearly on a spending spree a couple of months ago. It makes it interesting but I'm a bit over Memebox right now. So the reviews are probably going to be a little more harsh, just warning you.

This box is supposed to make you beautiful from head to toe, and reminiscent of a spa experience. I don't get to experience that often so I'm looking forward to luxury and spoiling.

Memebox Special #48 Rose Edition

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The next update to the Memeboxes cluttering up my bathroom/bedroom/spare room/lounge. They have taken over and are everywhere! This one was received in a bundle with the Hair and Body 4, and the Dessert Box.

Onwards! I look forward to the lovely scents that are bound to assail me!

Memebox Special #47 My Dessert Box

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Welcome to yet another Memebox unboxing. I hope you aren't sick of them, because there are quite a few more to go. Seriously though, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the avalanche of Memeboxes, let me know and I'll throw something different into the mix.

Firstly the no-spoiler pic for links, and the cards for extra eager beavers.

Memebox Superbox #56 Yogurt Cosmetics

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Another addition to my overflowing tower of Memeboxes and related Korean products. I've been looking forward to the Yoghurt box for aaaagggeeessss, and I'm so glad it is finally here!

Without further ado, let's get to the important part: the big reveal!

Memebox Superbox #84 Skinfood

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The next installment of Memebox has arrived! Read on and enjoy!

The card is once again annotated (mostly with smiley faces though).

Oh Sheet Mask - The First Edition (October)

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Today I am featuring a new box, one I am very excited about. It is a brand new subscription box company, operating out of Chiang Mai in Thailand, and they are providing the world with a variety of sheet masks. The delicious delicious gateway drug to Asian skincare! Or any skincare. This box is really awesome, and I've even got a bonus interview with the owners at the bottom of this post. 

The new box is Oh Sheet Mask, a monthly box filled to the brim with sheet masks. The box contains 10 masks per month (for $23) and the Bag of Sheet has 5 masks (for $11). You can order as a monthly recurring subscription, or simply get one to try out. There is also an informative page all about sheet masks for newbies. Best of all, shipping is free (and international). Monthly payments are on the 9th of each month, and their customer service is fantastic!

Please read on for one of the most exciting boxes I've received in quite awhile. 

Memebox Superbox #82 The Face Shop

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I had two Memeboxes waiting for me as I got home from work last week, and I am so excited by all of the products. Read on to see the cuteness of the The Face Shop!

Also, please excuse the scribbles on the card, I forgot to take pictures before scrawling all over them.

Violet Box New Zealand - October 2014

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Phew, sorry about being so late with blog posting recently (and apologies for the ungodly hour this goes up). I didn't realise how time poor I would be once I started this full time gig. At least it's enjoyable though right?!

My Violet Box arrived this morning, and I wanted to get this up asap (as opposed to seven weeks after the fact). The photos are not the best quality, due to early morning light, early morning lack of caffeine and the fact that I was on a rush out the door. But at least you get the point right?

Aphelia Peony Eye Cream

I don't have an eye cream as part of my elaborate, and ever increasing, skincare routine. So I'm really pleased to see this in here! I tried a little bit on my hand, and a little really does go a long way! Even though this looks like a tiny pot (and doesn't have any sort of measurement on it) I imagine it will last a good long time. The cream sunk in really quickly, and has a very subtle scent which is barely noticeable. Not a bad start VB!

RRP: $69.00 (15ml)
Sample size (?? maybe 5ml): $23 (maybe I'm estimating this wrong but we'll roll with it).

PHR Professional Recovery Leave-In Moisturiser

Since getting my Rapunzel Memebox I've been obsessed with hair products. Well, more obsessed than usual. I'm excited to give this one a go, and pit it against the Korean leave-in moisturisers I've already tried. We'll refer to it as the War of the Hair products.

In all seriousness, I'm always happy to have something like this to try out. I should get a couple of uses out of it as my hair is super thin, so that's good.

RRP: $41.50 (full size 125ml)
Sample size (15ml): $4.98

Wotnot Facial Wipes

I've been seeing these in Aussie boxes for months, and been quite keen to try them out. I love these little sample packs, as they are really easy to chuck in your bag or take away for the weekend without having to cart a massive suitcase full of skincare crap. I'm sure these will appear in an empties post soon with my thoughts.

RRP: $8.95 (25 wipes)
Sample size (5 wipes): $2.95

Designer Brands Retractable Lip Liner

I saw this in the box and cringed. I'm still quite new to makeup and bold colours are not really my thing. I'm pretty keen on nudes, and some lighter shades of pink, but I know for a fact I will never wear this lip liner. Partially because of the colour, partially because I don't really know how to use a lip liner properly, and I'm still getting to grips with lipstick. So onto the re-gift pile this one goes (any friend who reads this and wants it, hit me up).

RRP: $8.99

Be s Bombshell One Stick

This is another product I don't really think I will use. However, I might give this one a go, as an eyeshadow or lip colour if not a blush. I quite like the muted pink tone, and the packaging is really neat. I did receive an eyeshadow quad from this brand which I like, so I am more inclined to give this one a chance than the lip liner.

RRP: $23

Haughty Lip Gloss

I saw this and immediatly lumped it in the 'oh god no' category with the lip liner. However, I wore it to work today. It wasn't as pigmented as it appears in the tube, and thus wasn't as scary. I tried it on mainly to see how it looked on the lips, and quite liked it. It isn't crazy red, but does make my lips look like I'm dressing up as Snow White. I've had it on for four hours or so, and it now has a nice subtle stain. It is also really nice as it isn't drying out my lips, and isn't overly sticky (which I think everybody hates). I think I might end up liking this one (much to my surprise).

RRP: $23

Some swatches of the makeup for those who want to see them.

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Total value of the box: $85.92.

This box was a mix of success and failure for me. Overall I think it is quite well curated, with a decent mix of skincare and makeup. I'm keen to give all the skincare a go, and I like the lip gloss. The other two makeup bits will be useful with Christmas coming up so I'm not too unhappy.

I was thinking about  cancelling another subscription to help fund the Memepocalyse, but this one is actually not too bad. I'll wait on the Goodiebox, and see how that goes. If that is as awful as last month then it will get  the boot, otherwise there will be long discussions inside my head about what to do next. Damn this blog for enabling me :P

Did anyone else get any different products in their Violet Box? What do you all think about this month's box?

Until next time ...

Weekend away at the beach

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I failed in blog planning this week, and then spent the long weekend at the beach without internet. So I'm writing up this quick post via my phone's data and hopefully you all forgive the lack of beauty. Feast on the photos of my weekend away, the food and beach shots, and the beautiful Kiwi countryside from the drive home. I hope you all had a wonderful Labour Weekend too, and will be returning to the usual unboxings on Thursday :)

Until next time ...

ibelivyu Cube Sparkling Lemon Sugar Scrub Review

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I'm a terrible person, and forgot to post on the blog yesterday. I've just finished my first week as a full-time working person (and have been totally shattered all week), but I feel terrible. I was supposed to write about Lust Have It, but I haven't even opened that yet. Instead, here's a review of something I got in a Memebox awhile ago. Enjoy!!

I received this scrub in the Memebox Birthday Box and absolutely love it. I haven't seen much about this brand so thought a review might be in order.

It comes in a glass tube with a cork stopper. I love the packaging, I think it is adorable and also quite classy. It looks rather scientific, which is reassuring that a beauty product won't unduly harm your skin.

There are 7 cubes in total in the tube, and I found that half a cube is enough for one use, which prolongs the use of the product. I have only been using these about once a week, as more frequent exfoliation can be detrimental to the health of your skin. You can exfoliate a couple of times a week (with normal/combination skin), but every day will leave your skin rough and dry.

How to use this scrub: 

First of all take the cube, in the palm of your hand. 

I have found that you should do this before a shower, and you should take off your clothes first! One time I didn't and proceeded to get a sticky mess of lemon exfoliant all over my clothes while attempting to take them off with one hand. Naked = better, in this case. 

Next split the cube in two. This is optional, and depends on your use of the product and the size of your face.

Then crumble the cube in your hand.

It should be all crumbly as this makes it easier to wet, and put on your face.

Run your other hand under the tap, and then drip some water onto the scrub. Less is best to start with, as it is way too easy to make it too wet. Just dribble a few drops at a time until it is the desired consistency.

Mix it around until it is all wet and then apply to your face.

Scrub your face, and then wash it off. I find it easiest to do this in the shower, but you can do it over the sink if you prefer.

The granules are larger in this scrub, but not too big or scratchy. If you feel that your skin is sore when using this, add a bit more water and that should help. I had a few issues until I figured out that adding more water (once it was on my face) made it easier and less painful.

I have found that I get a great result from this scrub. My skin is lovely and soft after use, and it stays that way for a couple of days at least. I've also noticed that my blackheads clear up a little bit immediately afterwards and don't look so horrid.

Hopefully this review was vaguely informative about a lesser well-known product. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

Until next time ...

Memebox Princess Edition #3 Rapunzel

Kia Ora!

I got another Memebox today, and it is a really awesome box. However the products in this box are overshadowed by the bottle that opened during shipping. It was everywhere, and totally soaked through the tissue paper and even the box itself. The pictures below show you how it looked. I was not particularly impressed, but I suppose it was only a matter of time until something like this happened, considering the amount of boxes I get in the post. On the bright side, this box smelt fantastic! And Memebox were great when I contacted them (although they aren't sending me a replacement), and helped me sort it all out. 

The damage isn't pleasant, but none of the products are actually broken, they just needed a bit of a clean up.

L'Cret Hair Colour Keeper Treatment Shampoo 300ml

Even though it's missing half the product, I think this is the most exciting product in the box. I've been getting really sick of my Garnier shampoo (teach me to buy the biggest bottles available), and I am always keen to try new hair products. This one smells really lovely, all citrusy and fresh, and I'm very excited to use it sometime soon.

I just looked at the price (!) and I'm now very excited to try it out. I've never used such an expensive shampoo, and I hope it is salon quality. Even if it becomes the love of my life, I'm not going to be repurchasing this baby, a wee bit too expensive for me!

RRP: $42
Full size.

Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Vita-Clinic Mist 60ml

I am intrigued by the instructions on the card to "spray on your hair as often as possible." So am I supposed to empty the whole bottle in one go? Or should it be a few times a day? I'm rather confused but will experiment with this spray and see whether it has any realistic effects.

RRP: $24
Full size.

Toosowong 10 Hours 25ml

I've seen these syringe type products in other people's boxes before, but haven't tried one out as yet. This is supposed to go on and stay in your hair for 10 hours, so I'll probably do it overnight one night. I really like the packaging, although it does seem a bit excessive for what is essentially a one use product. Although at least you will get most of the product out of the tube this way.

On closer inspection, the tube is cracked on the back, and I'm not sure how this will affect the product. Does it matter if it is exposed to air prior to use? I'll have to send another email to Memebox and see what they say.

RRP: $12
Full size.

Sally's Box Friendly Argan Hair Mask

I actually think I might have died and gone to heaven with this product! As regular readers will know, I'm totally obsessed with face masks of all types, and am a sucker for things to make my hair healthier and nicer. To combine a mask and a hair treatment sounds divine, and I can't wait to use this one.

I've just landed myself a new job (full-time woop woop) so I might do this mask the night before I start. That will make my first day a winner, I'm sure of it!

RRP: $4
Full size.

Elizavecca Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment 100ml

Ooooh another cute piggy bottle. Thank god this one doesn't include spiders! I'm excited to use this one. It seems to be a cross between a treatment and a conditioner, so I'll probably end up using it as a conditioner with the shampoo from this box.

RRP: $34
Full size.

Pro-You Scalp Nutrition Calming Moisture Fluid 150ml

This one is the only product in here that I'm a bit iffy about. I'm not keen to add extra product to my hair twice daily, and not wash it out. I also don't seem to have major issues with dandruff or anything so it isn't the best match for me personally. However, I will try it out, and if it isn't working for me I'm sure I can find someone better suited to give it to.

RRP: $48
Full size.

The cards (slightly wet and splotchy) for those who want more information about the products.

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Total value of the box: $164! (Holy heck, that is an insane value).

I'm really impressed with this box. I like all of the products in it, and I can't wait to try some of them out. I'm hoping that my hair will look phenomenal after all this love and care I give to it. Expect reviews of some of these products to appear, probably after the next few weeks when the hell period of end-of-year assessments is past. I will try and make the posting schedule 3 times a week then, so I can do some reviews and other exciting things rather than just all box openings.

Discount codes for anyone who wants to give them a go:

October $5 off bloggers coupon: SFDP

20% off orders above $200: ZIJR

10% off Shop USA orders above $50: O0OU

And use my links for an extra $5 off if you spend over $100. 

Until next time ... 

Disclaimer: Affiliate links used in this post. If you feel like supporting a Memebox addict, please feel free to use my links. I will appreciate it!