My August Vellvette Bag

Hello Lovelies!

I am back with my august vellvette bag post. After a hectic day at work, i was happy seeing that my vellvette bag had arrived. Which lasted only till i saw the contents of the bag. I am beyond disappointed, more like irritated with vellvette. Read on to know why...

As you can see, this time we are getting these black bags instead of the box. Looks much better then the pink bag in my opinion. I am one of the few people who actually enjoyed receiving the boxes i guess. That does not mean i don't like the bag, just the box better :p

What i got:

• Just Herbs Age Defying Treatment Kit
• H20+ Marine Calm Eye Cream
• Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Extreme
• MMMM Bonus Sk-ii

Just Herbs Age Defying Treatment Kit 

So the beauty experts at vellvette who apparently 'hand pick' the beauty samples have decided to repeatedly send random samples to me. Its like a constant mission to target me specifically to send their 'just herbs' samples, regardless of whether they are meant for my skin or my age. 

Your sending me youth preserving samples and well erm i am still in my youth!  Unless i am mistaken and got everything including my age wrong. Really now. This is getting very very annoying. Last time i received a kit from the same brand 'just herbs' that was meant for oily skin and i have dry combination skin. Now this? I have already sent vellvette a very angry email regarding this. it's simply not done.

(You can read about my july vellvette box here)

H2o+ Marine Eye Cream

I don't care how effective this product is simply because i have no issues there. If only vellvette had attempted to refer to my questionnaire they would have known WHAT to send to me. I can't say anything further about this sample.

 Sally Hansen Lip Plumper- Clear

After the first 2 products, i am really put off to even talk about the others. But i don't want to be unfair. So this is the only full size product in this months bag.It is clear, which i am glad for since i do not use colour lip gloss. I have used the Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro Injected collagen (phew) lip plumper previously, so i am not exactly new to the world of lip plumbers. The good thing is now i can compare the two to see which one works better.

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel

This is a very tiny sample of SK-II cleansing gel, good for one or 2 uses i reckon. It is basically a make up remover. My mom uses the SK-II power cream and seems to love it. I would have been happy to try this if my mood wasn't so sour :'(

Final Verdict:

Cannot wait for my subscription to end (which is next month yay) and i don't think i will be renewing it either. I know there are hits and misses every month but sending samples like this is appalling. Like Anti- ageing products (!!). Vellvette must really pay attention to this issue if they want to retain their customers. After months of receiving random samples either not meant for my skin type or my taste, i have given up on vellvette. This is a honest request to vellvette, please pay attention to your customers profile before you send out the bags/boxes.

Now good news guys! i am planning to try the international beauty boxes which deliver to India from next month..cant wait :)

What did you get in your august vellvette bag?Did you like it? Do comment below :)

My July Vellvette Box

Hello!

Yes, i am alive..incase anyone thought this blog has been abandoned. Its been so long now, been busy with work and don't get me started on 'work'..or else ill be cribbing about it endlessly here. The weather is awesome, does anyone feel we should get a monsoon break? like no work, nothing..just be a vegetable and enjoy the weather. *sigh* Moving on, here is my july box! 

What i got :

• Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• LA Splash Glitter Mascare - Abyss
• Just Herbs Advanced Pimple Treatment Kit
• Bonus: Bling Nail Appliques
• MMMM Bonus- Crabtree and Evelyn VIP Kit

Sally Hansen Miracle Cure

My first thoughts? - 'Oh god why!'.. i thought it was a nail polish but i am glad it is not (yes shame on me, i don't like nail paint :/ ). It says its a miracle cure for severe problem nails..hmm now why would they send it to me randomly without knowing anything about my nails? But i guess its not a bad thing..i have applied it on  2 of my nails ( i am lazy) and it looks like a nice shiny top coat. Maybe i will use it just to get that shine on my nails, looks neat. Also to all those who were wondering about the product expiry, worry not, it is good until 2015! As you can see, there is a label on the gold cap with the expiry details. And i did notice the gold cap was a bit worn out, but i don't mind it.

LA Splash Glitter Mascara

 Another full size LA Splash product! Interesting. I got the blue eyeliner in the previous box and found it average, id also say this brand is pretty mediocre in terms of product quality. The packaging looks cool though. I tried this mascara and found it pretty average, also the glitter is not visible.

Just Herbs Treatment Kit

So this is what people got in their June bags. But what i don't understand is why me? This one clearly says for oily skin. (a) I don't have oily skin, as mentioned numerous times, even via email to vellvette ( i won't mention the 'questionnaire' since by now we all know there is no relation between our preferences and the products we receive). (b) I DONT HAVE OILY SKIN! Can you stop sending me face wash and stuff which is NOT for my skin type? 

On a brighter note, i might try the pack on..and then layer my face with moisturiser, lets see how it works.

Nail Art Stickers

Nail Art Stickers..hmm i guess its a cool thing :/ ? I don't use stuff like this.. but i guess its a cool addition. Maybe a friend will like this? Maybe it will be hoarded and stored in that little black box brimming with unused samples?

Crab Tree and Evelyn VIP KIT

So i was wondering what is so 'VIP KIT' about this thing? i mean i got 2 sachets of lotion. is that VIP? Nevertheless i am happy with it :D. Why? i really like the VIP members card i received, its so cute and i get 10% discount on their products. Cool right?

I got the evelyn rose hand therapy sachet and the rosewater body lotion sachet. Last month i received the sisley face mask sachet which is lying unused. I got the the remy laure sachet, clinique foundation sachet in the previous months- all lying unsed. The point? Sachets are the least used sample products, atleast in my case.

Oh look what i got, isnt it super cute? This card enables me a 10% discount and sale previews, promotions etc. i am happy :)

Final Verdict:
Satisfied. i have no particular dislike to any of the samples i received (even the one for oily skin, really!). It has value for money i guess..i get shiny nails (when and if i ever use it)..and a new average mascara. My fav is the C& E VIP card. hehe.

(You can stop reading here if you only want to read about the july box :p)

Update: Check out my august vellvette bag here

Random Update:
June Bag-
So wondering where the june box went? Oops the bag. The thing is i was all ready to post the pictures for the bag when i received it, but decided to wait on it since i had ordered another one for my sister as a surprise. Guess what? It never arrived, they mailed me ages later saying there was some courier issue etc etc. I was pissed at them since my sister was really looking forward to get her box. So by the time they were ready to ship it, i didn't want it anymore. Thus the pictures of my box/bag were abandoned.
What did i get? I got the very lush I love..strawberry milkshake body wash, La Blue eyeliner, Tony and Guy Conditioner and the Sisley face mask. All in all..a pretty satisfying bag- i loved the body wash. Rest is lying unused (yet again).

Amino Collagen-
I have almost 4k and counting hits on this particular post! wow. So i know it is time to update.. infact had clicked loads of pictures etc..but i can't seem to find it :/ . But i shall be updating soon. It is imperative.

Asos-
A post coming soon (soon is ambiguous in this context hehe). I have ordered 4 pair of shoes- 3 wedges and 1 stiletto, make up and a wallet. So one pair of wedges has already arrived but there seems to be a massive delay with the other stuff this time but i am being patient.

Life-
I know this is getting long and never ending and maybe you should stop reading now since i want to ramble.
Life is going good...hectic with work and all i seem to do nowadays is crib about how i don't have time to do anything anymore. is this how adult life is? i miss school and college for the simple reason - HOLIDAYS *sobs*. Does anyone want to crib about work? *hopeful eyes*.

Bye!

My May Vellvette Box

Hello Lovelies!

That time of the month- May Vellvette Box. * yay *

After the previous few months disappointment, i wasn't very excited this month..i even emailed vellvette regarding the brand selection sent to me, since the samples sent were pretty much lying untouched (they are so friendly, assured me right away they would look into it) BUT this month has been special..after all it was my birthday few days ago and all i can say is this box has been the best so far, close to the feb box (that box was completely usable). And this itself is a first for me! i always read people loving their vellvette boxes and me? nursing my resentment towards the random sample products sent to me, finally my turn to say - loved may vellvette box ! * woohoo *

I got my camera, opened the box and was bowled over, completely! Love it when your box doesn't have empty spaces, na? So exciting, this month the theme was 'organic', which i am glad for since my awareness to paraben free products, i have started to incorporate organic products. I think this box is great in terms of variety- skincare, cosmetics and haircare ! wow, complete package. And how can i miss the cute flower potpourri, so cute.
The contents:

• Brocato Curlinterrupted Smoothing & Hydrating Treatment Kit
• Flormar Delux Shine Gloss Lipstick - D33
• Clinique Even Better Neutral Foundation 05
• MMMM Bonus: The Nature's Co. Cool Cucumber Face Wash

Brocato Curlinterrupted Smoothing & Hydrating Treatment Kit

This is a good size sample and i am really keen to try this treatment kit. The product card says it is 100% surfactant free, sulphate free and parabens free hair brand- 100% Organic Hair Treatment range. *slow whistle* wow ! i am pleased not to just find only the shampoo but the conditioner too, don't we hate that?  Though the conditioner package tube looks big, don't be fooled- the content is exactly half of it's size. The only problem, yes there is this problem (which i might just ignore)  - 'curlinterrupted.' No it's not like i don't like the name, just that..i don't have curly hair. I have long, naturally straight hair. So ahem, yea. But worry not friends, i shall not be refrained from using it, who knows it'll make my hair silky straight *dreams*

Flormar Delux Shine Gloss Lipstic- D33

I was so excited to receive a full size lip product, and that shade looked gorgeous..the card said its 'peach'. Notice the past tense? All the excitement died when i tried to swatch it once, twice, fourth, seventh...and yea so on. I am not sure if it my lip gloss lipstick in particular like that or all are so sheer...it is very very sheer, little colour pay off,  not at all smooth on application, it goes on hard waxy on the lips.. it is not a lipstick..more like a tinted lip balm (not as smooth as one though). The plus? well it is moisturising..and not drying..so that's got to be good right? If you think of it as a lipstick, its a total flop since it has so little colour but maybe as a balm/gloss it works. I will reserve my stronger opinions on this gloss lipstick untill i use it a couple of times.

 Imagine my happiness when i saw the colour above, i could totally picture the colour on my lips *wistful* sadly, it is too sheer, but if you keep the 'its-not-lipstick' part on the side, it is a cute shade for a lip balm i guess..i will definitely not buy this but oh well, i will definitely be using this.. (click on the picture to enlarge). I am interested in seeing other people's opinion on this lipstick, hopefully its not as hard and sheer as mine(?!). the picture below of lips (left) is with flash, (right) without flash on the wrist. it took a good 6-7 to get that colour on the wrist..!

Clinique Even Better Neutral Foundation 05

I got 4 sample pouches/sachets, by now we should try making peace with sachets, they won't ever stop so might as well, hey? The shade is neutral, let's see how it works for my mac NC 30 skin tone. i really like how it is allergy tested, 100% fragrance free..i have sensitve skin and oil free foundations are something i would normaly look for, very pleased to receive this and looking forward to try it :D

MMMM Bonus: The Nature's Co. Cool Cucumber Face Wash

I guess i got 2 of these cool cucumber face wash because my last months bonus was missing, so i get 2 of these, nice.  I am happy that vellvette remembered and sent the extra sample, it reflects very well on Vellvette without me having to remind them. I received the Nature's co. red and green tea sunscreen lotion in my april box (check it out here) and it has been lying unused (hated the smell), my previous efforts of giving away the unwanted/unused sample items to my mom & sister were in vain, they didn't want to try any :( Must try everything myself then.

 Also the description says this face wash is suitable for oily skin and helps with blackheads etc..again i don't have oily skin, it is dry combination and vellvette is aware since they sent me a sample for dry skin in my previous box..but i don't mind it too much at this point since the face wash in organic,free of chemicals, hence very mild.

Final Thoughts?

I am happy and satisfied for the first time, who would have thought huh? Even though there are minor things, ok curly and straight hair is not so minor and that lipstick gloss issue..but all in all nothing that i can't work/live with..! i like how they gave the treatment kit rather then one part of it, liked the shade of the lipgloss/lipstick (no browns for me thanks) liked the foundation sample.. and yes you get the point- i am satisfied..finally hehe.

New Post:

July Vellvette Box

Asos Online Shopping Haul

Hello Lovelies!

Here is my asos haul but before i begin i'd like to mention a few things:

• I ordered almost most of the items in separate orders each unless mentioned otherwise. It is always safer to get a small order- each items separately then one big order with several items with a higher value, which will attract higher customs!
• The custom duty is 'apparently' levied on one single transaction/order of Rs. 10,000 and above. I say apparently because i have been charged for much much less so you never know..
• All my orders are international standard free shipping unless mentioned otherwise. 
• The orders arrived between 2-4 weeks (yes Indian customs tend to hold items causing delays!)
• Yes i did pay customs on most, even though custom duty is levied on Rs.10,000 and above...i don't know why but they charge me for as little as 15 pounds! Is it because i order frequently? i don't know why but they do and i have accepted that now. If you want to ask any questions regarding my experience with Indian Customs while ordering from Asos then please do comment below.
• Asos refunds money if the item has not been delivered to you. We can even return an item for a refund, if we are dissatisfied with the fit/quality/colour or any other reason but the return postal charges, which i might add are high, have to be bared by us.

Let's get started...

                                Asos Heart Print Laptop Cover

I ordered this laptop case with 2 more items- Dr. Bronners Naked Organic Lip Balm and River Island Olivia Sunglasses (Picture not taken).

Very good quality, i love the gold detail zip...my mac is very happy residing in this cover!

French Connection Floral Cut-out Swimsuit

I ordered this swimsuit with a Carmex MoisturePlus Hydrating lip balm (Picture not taken). 

Summer is here, need to beat this scorching heat with a lazy day by the pool...*bliss*.

 I really like the side cut out and fit, it is very flattering. While browsing the website, most of the swimsuits were not padded, tragic i know and i for one cannot fathom wearing one without it. One of the major reasons i got this, apart from it's sheer loveliness, is the frills on the top, it covers the need for it, how smart of me ;D

The straps are detachable and full cut briefs, just purrfect!

Gorgeous colourful print! As a thumb rule, one should always get swimsuit one size bigger..and i am glad i did, fits perfectly :D

Asos Jewellery arrived in these nice sturdy black boxes, very classy. i have so many of these to store my jewellery in... yay!

Asos Pack of Five Neon Chain Bracelet

I ordered this with a pair of 'headphone happy stud earing set' (picture not taken) 

Lovely colours,yea? My favourite is the gold one, i think it will look super cute paired with a watch..

Asos Earings

I ordered these two earrings together, one black feather and the other pink feather along with the diamond stud one (below). Unfortunately the picture of the pink feather earing disappeared :(

These are so gorgeous! i am in love with them, they are huge..great statement feather earings.

I love these too, very elegant. They are quite big in size for stud earings (check out the ring in comparison) but thats the beauty of it! Very bling.Very shiny.

Asos Anchor Chain Hairband

Lovely gold chain hair band, the tiny anchors are just too cute. i ordered this along with a tiny pearl/skull pendant chain (Picture not taken).  

Paul's Boutique Leopard Bag

 A couple of friends were coming down from the U.S, so i got this delivered there along with a pair of pencil heel suede black  pumps (picture not taken) and got them once they were here . I really did not want to take the chance with indian customs, with my luck i am sure i'd have to shell out quite a bit! This was express delivery and arrived there in like 3 days. 

The bag is quite huge..it could engulf a petite girl, like seriously! 

Every Paul's Boutique Bag comes with a different charm, they look cute but tend to border on childish. I got rid of few of the things hanging on mine like the ribbons and pieces of colourful cloth.

It is really of good quality, very sturdy and it's a- carry your world around in kinda bag lol. I like how the animal print is there in bits and pieces, very cute :D. This bag is perfect for the times i need to travel overnight with clothes or just when i have to carry my laptop. It's so spacious but the only con is that it has no compartments, only side zips and pockets, sucks when you carry tons of stuff and you can't find things you need without a good digging.

The cloth inside is a very pretty monogramed patterned bright pink.

The bottom of the bag has these gold studs.

Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Perfector Kit Set

This was a set that included the mannequin skin perfector kit (above) and the mannequin skin complexion enchancer (below). It features 4 complexion correcting colours in one little compact. I haven't use this kit  much except the highlighter.

JK Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer  

I really like this product and use it as a highlighter for my cheeks.

The variety on Asos is awesome and they generally have amazing sales going on too! The only downer is INDIAN CUSTOMS  and well obviously the delivery isn't that great too with all the delays and all (argh) but now i have made peace with 'patience' while ordering from this website. There have also been times (make that plenty of times) when the orders have been misplaced/lost but nothing to fear since they refund the money. 

I really enjoy ordering from Asos and even get my friends birthday presents from there, though i need to order a good amount of time in advance for it to arrive in time for the birthdays (am i lazy or what). 

So that's all for now...i have ordered for the Laqa Paradise City Lip Crayon set and Dr. Bronners Peppermint Lip Balm, can't wait for it to arrive! I am contemplating to get the Pixi Brilliance Lip Tint Balm in craving coral since my pretty pink is getting really tiny but i guess i will wait for the Laqa Lip crayons to arrive before i take the plunge for Pixi again. I really love lip crayons/chubby sticks, don't you?

Do comment likes/questions/answers/just like that/say hello.

Ok tata bye bye i am going to work on another post before i hit the sack..zzzz

Have a great day!

Ps: Oh I found my next post topic, it has to be Asos clothing haul/collection...!! 

*UPDATE*

Just dropped in to post a picture of the custom duty bill/receipt of some lip balms (Dr.Bronner Organic Lip Balm) i ordered from Asos worth 15pounds. 

New Post:

My July Vellvette Box

Worse Online Shopping Experience -Enchantess.com

Hello Ladies!

When you shop online what do you expect? 
Quick Delivery?
Quality Products?
Efficient Customer care service?
I am sure it is not too much to ask for, is it?

I was browsing online, one lazy sunday afternoon when i came across this product called- Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro Injected Collagen Lip Plum Duo and immediately (as always) felt the 'need' to buy it, can't help them impulses. For the record, my lips are quite plump naturally but i still wanted to buy it to see through the claims and miracles people rave about, curious much? (If i was cat, i'd be already dead 9 times lol)
I had 3 options to buy it from- strawberry.net, where i have never shopped before and global ebay,where it is priced exorbitantly.Now i might seem a bit crazed to buy something once it is in my head but i certainly wont spend triple the amount on it. Third option- a website already known to me since i subscribed to their one month beauty sample programme, Enchantess.com.
Naturally i preferred the indian website know to me, enchantess to strawberry.net, thinking it's Indian and will deliver much quicker, right? right? Boy was i wrong!

I placed my order on 1st April and immediately got an email saying order received.

On 5th april i emailed them regarding the whereabouts of my order.

Enchantess reply 7th April:

"You shall receive Order #5859 within the next 7-10 days. Please feel free to contact us in case of anything. Looking forward to your response on how you liked the samples."

By this time i had already received my march enchantess bag and was concerned over the expiry of the products sent/sold, so i emailed them about it for assurance..

Enchantess reply on 8th April:

"As for the expiry date of the product, it is not in our hands as it is the company that sends us the stock, we only deliver it to you. We can only make sure that the products are fresh and not near expiry. But again, we will take care regarding the expiry for you."

My reply :

"To your reply as stated that "it is not in your hand but the company which send you stock and make sure the products are 'fresh' and not near expiry." Well I asked for that only, they should NOT be near expiry being a responsible seller (be it direct or indirect). Looking forward to receive it." Thank you.

I kind of got ticked off when they said it is "not in their hands", as far as i am concerned, i ordered from enchantess and they are liable to me, not some third party. It is rather absurd not to have control over the quality of products sold on one's website.

After that i completely forgot about the order until i received an email .

Enchantess 18th april:

"For Order#5859- We apologize for the delay in the delivery as your request is taking time at the supplier side. We would like to offer you two options for it- You can either choose to wait for another 10 days for the item or get a refund from us instead.  We would again like to apologize for the above. Hope to hear from you soon."

My reply (and biggest mistake!):

"since I have already waited so long, I'd give it another 10 days and wait for it. Unless it is not going to arrive even after the said 10 days, then please do let me know".

Again all forgotten...until i get this email on the 29th April saying Order Complete! *shocked* When in reality i had not received it in the first place, so i immediately wrote an email to enchantess. By now i was hopping mad since i realized it's been 10days.

My email 29th April:

"I just received an email stating order 5859 as completed when its not even delivered to me!

Today is exactly 10days since 19th april when I chose to wait another 10 days for the said order.I don't want to wait any further, it is unacceptable to wait since there has been a huge delay already.I suggest you refund my money asap, very disappointing service enchantess for one simple item.Not going to recommend anyone ordering products from enchantess ever".

I have ordered online so many times from different websites and i have never faced such a bad experience, even global ebay which takes 1-3 weeks to deliver, with delays after the extended delivery date warranting a refund for sure. Yes i know they did give me an option for a refund or to wait 10 days but now i waited for 11 days and it is yet to arrive, so yes i want a refund. 

Enchantess reply on 30th April:

"The message you received was generated automatically by our system when we shipped your package and the order was completed from our side. So, its on its way you need not worry. 

 The delay happened because our distributors had to import the goods from abroad and the Government of India recently passed on a rule regarding import of cosmetics that caused your package to delay.

 We understand your concern and are deeply sorry for the delay. We thank you for your patience and support."

Wrong assumption, I am neither patient nor supportive at this point i am beyond irritated, like how can you expect me to wait for a month! I was told i'd receive the product in 7-10days but noo...delay after delay, like first the issue is from the supplier side then because the distributors had to import from abroad and some gov rules etc etc. Like seriously! One lip gloss! ONE friggin lip gloss and so many issues regarding it. If your selling something at least make sure you have it in stock.

My reply:

Hello,

If the parcel is on it's way then I'd expect it to receive it within the extended 10 days not after it! This is appalling service, if it does not arrive today I do not want it and want a refund.

You cannot expect me to be patient from delay after delay, it is NOT my concern the issue's you are facing with your distributors or anything for that matter, you should have them resolved before you take orders from unsuspecting customers.

You should have an idea since your running a business of selling products about how much time it takes be it within india or abroad.

I am not going to accept any further delay.

Enchantess reply (Finale!):

"This has happened with us for the first time so we couldn't anticipate it in advance. This was a one-time issue that has been resolved and you were duly updated about it. We promise it won't happen in future.You will receive your product soon. "

Resolved?When! where was i when that happened and what an ambiguous thing to say "you will receive your product soon". First they could not even deliver the magazine on time then this order, every other site it seems is able to conquer all these issues except enchantess. i am in no mood to give them a benefit of doubt, absolutely none.

My reply:

"Hello, it has not been resolved since I have not received the order and by saying "duly informed" you mean the 10 days mentioned after the first delay not extra days after that. It does not automatically make it ok. Yes it won't be happening in the future since I won't be ordering ever again.Thanks ".

Enchantess reply: NO REPLY (!)

It is my mistake, i had the chance to get my refund but lost it.. i thought hey just 10 more days no issue i guess i can wait till then.

Like a normal person i assumed it would arrive within 10 days  not AFTER it. And you know what is an even bigger mistake? ordering from enchantess in the first place!

I am sure some of you would have had a pleasant experience with this site but i am talking about my personal experience, which has been terrible beyond words.

What do you guys think i should do if it does not arrive even after a few days? 

Any thoughts?

Let me know..

*Check out my online shopping haul here*