July Bellabox + Review

As mentioned previously in my June Bellabox post, I already knew that I would be receiving a Zuii Certified Organic Vegan Flora Mascara and a Blaq Face Mask. However I was shattered when the rest of the surprise was spoilt when I stumbled across a blog that had already received the Bellabox as a PR package. I love surprises so I felt so shattered, but apart from that personal dilemma here is the July Bellabox!


My first initial reaction when opening the Bellabox was confusion. My box is empty! I counted the items 1, 2, 3... until I noticed that the green box included 3 products in it. Again, Bellabox also included a mini sachet sample as they have previously but it feels as thought they're trying to compensate for the lack of products and frankly; I was disappointed.


The Bellabox sells for $17.95 so I felt like I was cheated. But when I picked up the information card and read the product details and full sized prices I felt reassured. I find it useful that they provide this card to not only let you know the full sized price, but also where to find the products in case you fall in love with them.



The first product I tried out was the Zuii Certified Organic Vegan Flora Mascara. Although I already knew I was receiving this, I had never personally heard of the brand as the products are sold from their website.

7g. Retails for $27.95

Firstly, the packaging for this product is very nice and has a typical look to it because it is organic. Speaking of, when I opened the mascara and sniffed it (I smell everything don't judge) it instantly hit me with a fresh, lemon grass smell. It isn't too strong or lingering but I thought it was interesting considering that I have never owned a mascara with a scent.
 


[ Create luxurious, smudge-proof lashes with a formula that won't weigh on your conscience. This certified organic, vegan formula doesn't compromise on quality and is a great staple that will add volume and length ] 

Although this product claims so many great benefits, it just didn't work for me. And the sad thing is that I wanted it to work because I used to be very conscious of what I used on my face (not so much anymore to be honest). 


The formula was too cakey and it didn't become apparent to me until later on in the day when I accidentally touched my eye and had a lot of residue. It has a thick texture to it which seems to not dry properly on my lashes, and the wand doesn't help to "add volume" but it does sort of "add length". 

And it is still disappointing considering my favourite mascaras are typically from Essence or Maybelline which retail from $4-$15 instead of $27.95. I will most likely continue using this on days where I want a more natural looking lash, however I will stick to using my Essence Get Big mascara because it is such great value for money.

Retails for $29 for 60g. Available at Priceline

The Blaq Face Mask is actually a product that I was considering to buy, so it was really convenient to receive this in the Bellabox. I actually didn't try this product out on myself, but I did put it on my boyfriend's nose and it worked really well!


[ There's a reason these peel masks have gone viral online! The activated charcoal in this mask works to draw dirt to the surface of the skin, providing instant, effective and visible removal of blackheads and impurities ]


I noticed that this mask has a nice smell to it that isn't too overpowering. Also, it was insanely easy to peel off which is something I've never experienced with peel masks before. I did previously own the Daiso version of the charcoal mask, but my mum threw it out when she went on a cleaning rampage.

That being said, I would probably trust this brand more if you were to purchase a peeling mask but if you were on a budget, the Daiso one works just as well.


I also received a bonus sample of the Nutrimetics Energise Night Rescue Crème which I still haven't tried out yet. I have a really bad habit of keeping sachet samples because by the time I've completed my normal face routine I only then spot the sachet and say "Oh well, next time". I haven't heard of this brand before but it is available on their website here.


I am however posting an August Bellabox post really soon, so I will mention my thoughts there. However, I do find it hard sometimes to get a good judgement out of a sachet sample because sometimes first impressions aren't always accurate.

Lastly, I received The Face Shop's Chia Seed Discovery Kit. It included a hydrating toner, hydrating emulsion and a intense hydrating cream.


I am always big on smell, so when I took a whiff of all three products my first thoughts were "Huh, this smells cheap" and "All three products smell the exact same". I always find it suspicious when skincare items have fragrance in them because I have had a history of sensitive skin.



Nevertheless, I gave these three products a go. The toner was oddly hydrating which I liked as I have dry skin. However, the scent of all three products is put me off as it smells too artificial and nothing like chia. I didn't see too much difference in my skin in terms of added moisture, and I wasn't amazed by any of the products either.
Toner $43, Emulsion $43, Cream $64

Out of the three, I like the hydrating emulsion the most as it was a very lightweight and I was able to shimmy it in before my actual moisturiser as an added step. The gel was really cool (they call it a cream lol) in terms of its consistency, but if it weren't for the hefty price and artificial smell I would've considered re-purchasing these products.


The packaging of these products made me thought that it would be natural or organic, however it is just so far from it. It is made in Korea who are known for having good face products, but I think being Australian I am so used to using naturally derived products.


Considering also that you have to purchase these products online, and that they are expensive, puts me off even further. It is definitely not worth splurging your money on.

I think that this months Bellabox didn't cater to me fully, but it is good to know that I didn't have to invest all of my money into a product. And although this month's surprise got ruined, it is still a service I am happy to pay $17.95 for as I am still bound to find some hits instead of misses.

- Amanda.S



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