I will confess – I am a sucker for samples, packaging and nice smells.

It’s been some time since I got a ton of free make up and beauty samples (for spending too much) from Sephora in the States and when I found out about Bellabox, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on awesome samples again!

Bellabox’s first ever October box came recently and receiving a nice box in the mail just made my day. :)

A closer look at the samples within:

(Left to right: Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener, Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers in Ginger Lily, Oscar De La Renta Esprit D’Oscar, Twistband)

Now for a review of these babies… (click below to read more!)

Aveda

I’ve always loved all things Aveda and the glossing straightener and smoothing fluid are no different. Aveda strives to increase their use of naturally derived ingredients and you can definitely tell by the unique natural fragrances of their products (which I really like). Hair always comes out feeling soft with shine.

The smoothing fluid feels a bit oily when working it in your hands at first but after smoothing it over hair, it does an excellent job of taming flyaways and giving shine while staying weightless and non-greasy. Definitely using this on my touch-ups on beauty shoots!

Will be testing the glossing straightener on someone else soon since my hair just got straightened…

OPI Avojuice in Ginger Lily

This is flat out amazing. I’m a heavy user of hand creams and Avojuice is incredibly light yet moisturising so it’s perfect for using multiple times daily when you’re out and about. Finally, a hand cream that doesn’t need you to wait several minutes before you can touch anything without greasing it!

The scent of Ginger Lily is my favourite part. I’ve always loved Sweet Pea and similar light, floral scents from Bath and Bodyworks and this is somewhat similar. I think I’ve pretty much gone insane and have used this every time after washing my hands! My rose L’occitane hand cream is now being relegated to night use only…

Esprit D’Oscar

While Esprit D’Oscar does smell quite nice with hints of citrus notes, the musk and tuberose elements are a teeny bit too strong for my liking. For the humidity and heat in this tiny island, I generally prefer sticking to lighter, fresher scents.

The actual bottle is beautiful in true Oscar style though!

Twistband

These feel pretty stretchy although I have to grab a guinea pig with longer hair as mine is currently un-tie-able. Any volunteers…?

This month’s Bellabox made me discover my favourite hand cream and got me reacquainted with my love for Aveda so next month’s subscription is definitely a must. And at S$15 a month, how could you not!!