Review: Pelactiv Facial Refining Deep Cleansing Scrub

I received a sample of this product back in December in my Lust Have It box and was intrigued at its claims that it would "dissolve dead skin cells and decongest pores".
I will get to that in a sec, but I thought firstly I'd research the company a bit; I've not heard much about Pelactiv, but being a 100% Australian made and owned company gives them brownie points with me. 
According to their website, their products are created by Australian skincare therapists and leading biochemists, using Australian native plant extracts and lactic acid. Their products are not tested on animals. 

What is it?
Don't you hate when products have long-winded names that don't actually get to the point of what they are? Basically, this is a gentle exfoliator. 
I use it twice a week, in the shower after cleansing. I massage it into my face and neck for about a minute and then rinse it off with water. 



Pros
+ Although the product has a slightly gritty texture, it doesn't feel overly abrasive which I love. 
+ Ingredients include desert fuschia and melaleuca oil, both of which host anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties to help prevent against future breakouts. 
+ I feel like I get a really deep cleanse with this, without the feeling of my skin being stripped of all oils and moisture. 
+ Doesn't dry my skin out
+ My pores are noticeably more clear when I've used this twice a week, consistently for a few weeks. 
+ Contains both jojoba oil and vitamin E, as well as a bunch of other good stuff. 

Cons
- Slightly pricey with a RRP of $49 for 150mL. That being said, a little does go a long way with this one. 
- Has a slight tea tree oil scent to it. I personally love tea tree oil, but if you are one who hates this scent you may not enjoy that too much. 


Overall
Although I wouldn't exactly say that this is a miracle product, I love that consistent use provides good results. I have definitely noticed less blackheads since including this product in my skincare regime. I still have heaps left in the bottle, so as of today am undecided as to whether I would repurchase. The only thing dissuading me from doing so is the price. (Being a poor student sucks!)

Have you used this product before? If not, what's your favourite exfoliator?



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January Lust Have It

This month Lust Have It came in this really beautiful pink storage box. This is obviously their new collectible packaging, and I think it's really nice. I don't think the glue that they used was very strong though, because mine has come apart slightly but overall it's quite nice. 

I was a lot happier with this month's box than I was with Bellabox...but that really wasn't that hard. This has a good mix of make-up, hair care, accessories etc. 

1. Face of Australia Bronzing Loose Powder

20g = $12.95

I received a full sized sample. This bronzing powder is really pigmented and quite shimmery. The info card says it adds "instand radiance and shine" and I can definitely see how that's the case. I haven't had a proper play with it yet, but I'm guessing a light application is really all that is needed. I think I will do a proper review on this one later!

2. Lust Have It Kabuki Brush

RRP = $19.95

I usually don't like receiving products made by the beauty box company - I think it's kind of a cop out. That being said, this brush is such excellent quality I don't mind it too much in this instance. The brushes are synthetic, and really soft. And I know how soft the brushes are isn't really an indicator of anything. The brush bristles aren't too densely packed - in fact, this brush will be perfect for the light dusting of the bronzing powder I also received!

3. Nude by Nature BB Cream

50mL = $19.95

I received a full sized product. In medium. WHICH IS SO EFFING FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I'M SO PALE. This really disappoints me. I have contacted LHI about it, but received no response yet. All good, it's still the long weekend so I'll give them a break for now. 

(ETA: I have received a reply from LHI and included the reply in the comments down below.)

4. GKMBJ Lactic Hydration Shampoo &

GKMBJ Fortifying Honey Creme

280mL = $19.95 each. 

I received  a 30g sample of each. As soon as I opened the plastic shrink wrap on the S&C I could smell the product. I'm really not sure how to describe the scent, but it's not unpleasant. I love the packaging - I think it's really modern, and a great way to provide a sample. However, the bottles only have in tiny writing on the back whether they are the shampoo or the conditioner so I can imagine that being a problem in the shower with sudsy eyes. I have really been getting into honey as a skincare ingredient lately, so I'm definitely interested to try this out on my hair. Neither the info card or the bottles have any outlandish claims: all is said is that the high quality ingredients are for optimal ingredients. Uhh okay. 

5. Amuse Nail Lacquer

18mL = $13.95

I received a full sized product. Not gonna lie - I was disappointed when I first saw this. Bright, neon yellow is SO NOT my thing. But then I started thinking about what I could do with it in terms of nail art and I realised it's not so bad to add a yellow to my collection. The diamantes on the bottle are kinda tacky, but my nail polish sits in a cupboard so that hardly bothers me. 

Overall

This box is amazing value, and I'm really happy with it. Although the products were in the same "lower-end" price range as this month's BB, I received full sizes of everything except the shampoo and conditioner, meaning I got a lot more for my money. It's a shame the BB cream isn't in my colour, because if it was, LHI would have received a 5/5 and I would be using every single product in this box. 

What did you receive in this month's LHI? What do you think about the new collectible packaging?

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December Lust Have It!

I received the December Lust Have it box last week, but was flat out and didn't have a chance to write up a post about it before Christmas!

So firstly - no make-up case. In fact, the products were literally just in the postage box. I don't know why, but it disappointed me. I was really looking forward to what this "new range of collectible packaging" was going to be. Anyway, let's get on to what was in the box!

So the new brand partner is Benefit! That is pretty exciting - there are so many of their products that I've wanted to try and never got around to so hopefully some of those will be in future boxes.

1. Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara 

8.5g = $38

I received a 3.0g sample. I have had a chance to give this mascara a go, and first impressions are that I really like it. Whilst I love the length and volume it gives, I hate how stubborn it is on my lashes, and I struggle to get it off at the end of the day. I couldn't see anywhere on the packaging that this was waterproof, so that did bug me somewhat. 

2. Marc Jacobs Daisy

This one was a "bonus sample" so it's not included on the back of the card. I do love Daisy, and wear it most days in Summer. Although it is lovely getting bonus samples it sucks getting one you already own. 

3. Pelactiv Facial Refiner Deep Cleansing Scrub

150mL = $49.

I received a 50mL sample. My pores have been clogged to the sheep-house lately, and it is driving me mental. So I was really excited to get this in my box. I think I'll do a proper review on it once I've used it to let you know if it's any good or not. The info on the card says it will "dissolve dead skin cells and decongest pores". No idea how it will dissolve my dead skin cells, but hopefully the second claim is true!

4. Naked Tan Shimmer

150mL = $29.95

I received a 30mL sample. I quite like the packaging on this, I think it's plain without being boring. This is supposed to help me "enhance my inner sparkle" according to the info card. I've never used a shimmer before so I've not been game enough to give this a try. Tips?

5. Glasshouse Fragrances Hand Creme

140mL = $24.95

I received 2 x 5mL samples. I absolutely adore the scent of Glasshouse candles, but can't burn them because of their wax content. Maybe their hand cremes are the answer to my problems!? I've used the Marseille Gardenia creme, and I love it! Lightweight and non-greasy, 'nourishing' is a great way to describe it. It really does make my hands supple. 

6. Catwalk by Tigi Sessions Series Finishing Hairspray

250mL =$29.95

I received an 80mL sample of this - a great travel-sized hairspray. I seem to always get hairsprays in these boxes. I really like the smell of this one, and hopefully it works well at holding my hair without making it feel like straw. 

7. Lust Have It Exfoliating Glove

$9.50

Although I've used cloths, I've never used an exfoliating glove. I assume they do mostly the same thing. I honestly did not even know LHI had their own line of products. I'm okay with them including it in the box because this box already had quite a few great products in it. 

We also received a candy cane, but I may have eaten mine before I got a chance to photograph it. Not even sorry. Overall, I'm really happy with this box and think there was a good mix of products in there. I'm really excited they now have Benefit on board and can't wait for next month!

What did you receive in your last beauty box? Have you used a body shimmer before? Give me tips!

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Lust Have It November!

Now I can't be 100% certain, but I think LHI might not be doing the three categories of boxes anymore - the card that comes with the box that contains the product info was really generalised and it didn't say which of the three boxes I received. Anyone have any thoughts on this? 

This month the products came in a bright blue makeup case - I love the colour and apparently this is the last month they're using these bags - next month is a "new range of collectible packaging", so I guess that's something to look forward to. 

Now onto what I received:

1. Modelco Fibre Lashxtend Mascara

RRP - $28. 

(no mention of size on the product info card or the product itself)

On first glance this appears to be a pretty standard mascara - the wand is nothing to write home about, so maybe it's all in the formula? They claim it gives a "false lash effect" but I haven't tested these claims yet so can't comment on whether they do or not. The side of the bottle has a small mirror which is a cute, yet probably slightly impractical, idea. 

2. Davroe Hair Wellness Smooth Sense Straightening Balm

125mL / 200g = $22.50

I received a 50g sample. This is used for straightening hair and taming flyaways - something I definitely have an issue with so I'm keen to give this a go. It has quite a florally scent, which is somewhat strange for a haircare product but isn't unpleasant. 

3. Face of Australia Purifying Cleansing Wipes

25 wipes = $4.95

I received a full size of this product. These wipes are alcohol free - which is cool if you're into that. I have tried one out, and although it did a pretty good job I still prefer the Biore wipes I use daily. These aren't completely useless though, so I will still use them up and are an excellent cheaper option. I would still wash my face after using though to ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed. 

4. Lomasi Pomegranate Body Creme

236 mL = $22.95

I received a 30mL sample of this. How funny this should arrive while I'm going through a pomegranate loving phase! Pomegranate has 3x the anti-oxidant power of green tea and it smells delicious. This moisturiser is quite lightweight and sinks in easily with a nice scent that's not too overpowering (but definitely smells like Summer!) I also really like the packaging - something about the matte black lid just looks so indulgent to me. This is quite expensive but I think it's nice as a "treat yourself" product. 

5. Star&Rose Hologram Tweezer

RRP = $9.94

I honestly wasn't expecting that much from these tweezers, but they do a pretty good job of grabbing onto those tiny little hairs and pulling them out. The design on them is pretty cute, and they're affordable! Win, win win. 

Overall...

I'm pretty happy with what I received in this month's LHI box. I think there was a good mix of make-up, hair care, skin care and body care and I will use the products I received (which for me - always means value). 

What did you receive in your LHI box?

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September Lust Have It!

Quick NB: Because of my week in Dubbo, I didn't receive this until October, which is why this is so late. Sorry about that!

The September LHI products came in this beautiful silver clutch / make-up case. I already have a tonne of makeup bags, but I'm sure I can find use for this one too!

I was more impressed this month than last. Not only with the quality of products, but because they're things I'm actually going to use up. What I was somewhat disappointed about though was that none of the products are 'full sized'. Oh, well.

So what was inside?

1. Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse
150mL: $65.50
Gently permeates and liquefies sebum and oil based debris from the skin's surface, encapsulating it so it is readily rinsed away without leaving behind any greasy residue. 

I received a 15mL sample size. I'm pretty excited to try this. Dermalogica is obviously quite an expensive brand, and I love trialling new cleansers.

2. Dermalogica Active Toner
250mL: $51.00
Spritz on for critical hydration with this refreshing blend of skin-repairing Aloe, moisture binding Sodium PCA plus soothing Lavender, Balm Mint and Arnica. Excellent for all skin conditions.

I received a 30mL sample size, which I think is pretty generous. I love toners for 'spritzing' after washing my face in the shower and am looking forward to using this product.

3. Davroe Ultimatum Non Aerosol Hairspray
200mL: $19.95
A finishing spray that provides a long lasting maximum hold to any stule. This quick drying formula includes Rosemary and Hops to help protect the hairs [sic] natural moisture balance and adds natural shine.

I received a 50mL sample of this. I've never used a non-aerosol hairspray before so although I'm not a massive user of hairspray, I think this is a good item to include just for the experience.

 

4.  Mirenesse "Protect Me" - Tinted
18g: $69.00
A unique 2-in-1 anti-ageing balm that's infused with high performance mineral sunscreens (not chemical) that protect against UVA & UVB rays. 

So it doesn't say anywhere how much of this I received. I weighed it on my kitchen scales and it came in at 3g. I'm kind of disappointed I got the tinted instead of the regular. I haven't got around to swatching it yet, but it looks pretty dark for my skin tone. If it turns out to be too dark I'll probably just give it to my mum.

5. Say it with Scent - Vanilla
200mL: $26.80
A non-greasy easily absorbed lotion, enriched with Shea Butter and Vitamin E. This lotion is plant based and contains no petro chemicals. 

I received a 30mL sample of this, and I have to say the packaging is adorable. I love it!! No petro-chemicals is also a massive win for me. The vanilla scent is easy to detect without being over-powering and it does absorb quite easily. I'm pretty happy with receiving this product.

Did you receive the September LHI? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the above products before?



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August Lust Have It!

Earlier this morning I received my August Lust Have it Box. This is the first one I've received, as I only subscribed last month. As I explained here, I've signed up to two beauty box subscriptions and am going to try them both out.

So it arrived in a white box with a black bow tied around it - really classic, pretty packaging. The box does feel quite flimsy though - and is slightly bigger than the BellaBox. (okay so I know it's just the packaging but we all know we partly pay for that too so yes I feel it's worthy to comment on)

What I did think was strange was that it didn't have the company's name or details listed anywhere on it. But anyway...on to the contents!

 

So this is the card that details what's in the box and a little bit about it. I think that's a slight typo - because on one side it says "July" and the other side says "August". This is the August box? So that's slightly confusing.
This box was pretty good value, with three full-sized items.

1. tanGo Tanning Glove

Fullsize - RRP $29.95

Acts like elastic, gently pulling the tanning pigment away from the skin without the use of any harsh exfoliants or chemicals. 

This was the first full-sized item and to be honest, I am disappointed with it for a few reasons. As you may notice, firstly - it is not a glove. It is a cloth. Secondly - I don't use fake tan so I don't think I'm really the target market for this. Although - that's not really the company's fault.  My third gripe with it though is that it retails for $29.95 and it is essentially a microfibre cloth. I have one almost the exact same which I picked up for about $5 from Coles. So I'll probably just use this to clean my pole or windows or something. 

2. Bioderma Atoderm Cream

500mL RRP: $59.95. Received an 8mL sample.

Moisturises, soothes the skin and helps restructure the cutaneous barrier (skin). 

I'm pretty excited to try this out-  I've heard plenty of good things about Bioderma before, and my dry skin could always do with some smoothin'. 

 3. Tigi Catwalk Session Series: True Wax

50g RRP: $29.95. Received full-sized

Controls and adds shine to your hair. With a medium hold it can be used in wet hair for control and in dry hair to detail your style and can be used to separate strands. 

This was also a full sized product. I've never used hair wax before and am not really sure what to do with it. So this will be a fun experiment. My tin was slightly scratched which - again I know it's just the packaging - but I think is slightly disappointing. It does smell really nice though. 

 4. Aromatherapy Associates: Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser

50mL RRP: $82.80; Received 5mL sample

Highly nourishing moisturiser to lock in moisture and keep the complexion looking youthful and radiant 

I'm pretty excited to try this one. Not much to say on it - it's a moisturiser.

Aromatherapy Associates: Rose Hydrating Face Mask

100mL RRP: $54.95; Received 5mL sample 

Restore vital moisture to dry skin with this hydrating mask. Made with the Wand of Heaven (aloe vera) which is renowned for its hydrating properties. 

Also excited to try this. I love face masks and I love hydration so that's pretty good. Although I've never heard of aloe vera being referred to as the "Wand of Heaven before". Honestly, that sounds ridiculous. 

5. Wet n Wild: Nail Polish

10mL RRP: $12.95; Received full size

Basically the card went on and on about how great the colours of this nail polish were. But mine's a nail hardener so I guess all that's redundant. I already have pretty thick nails so I don't think I'm going to get anything out of this product. Kind of wishing I got a colour instead. 

6. Shiseido Lipstick in "RS 612"

4.5g RRP: $43.00; Received 2.5g sample

The formula of this is just beautiful. It's really hydrating, really smooth and the colour pigmentation is excellent. That being said - I'm not too sure on the colour. It's a bit dark but I still think I could make it work.

What did you receive in your Lust Have it? Apparently some people received a sample of 'Dot' by Marc Jacobs - if that was you did you like it? Have you tried any of the above products?

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