Beauty subscription boxes are literally, everywhere these days. What sets a box apart? For me, it's the concept, followed by the brands.

So when The Lilac Box first hit the market, I was drawn in by the unique 'Blind Date in a Box' idea (how cute!). But truly, the ultimate surprise was unveiling the brands in the box, mainly higher-end premium brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Kerastase, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and more. 

When subscription opened for Box 2, I jumped at the opportunity. For a price of RM49.90, it's comparably steeper than other boxes, however I liked the notion a one-month-only subscription, no strings attached for three months or six months like some similar boxes.

Upon receiving the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the box. It felt really heavy! 

Pretty, nondescript and solid brown box with a lilac bow.

Another thing that struck me immediately was the sweet floral, feminine scent emerging from the box. The interior looked like a nature's dream with the acid green wrapping paper.

What a nice touch!

An incredibly sweet note from the 3 guys who founded The Lilac Box.

Simply fantastic!

Items in the Lilac Box 2:

1. Calvin Klein Beauty and Sheer Beauty - RM200+
2. Redken Intra Force Shampoo 145ml - retails for about RM35
3. Redken Intra Force Conditioner 145ml - retails for about RM35
4. Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse - full size available for about USD$30
5. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Cleansing Gel - full size available for about USD$26
6. Lunasol Skin Modeling Powder Foundation and Smoothing Makeup Base - retails for about RM200+

The variation of Redken shampoo & toner (conditioner) I received is intended for colour-treated thinning hair, probably because I selected 'coloured and damaged hair' in my Lilac Box Beauty Profile. 

According to the Redken website, the Intra Force shampoo detoxifies and gently cleanses to reduce excess sebum while promoting a healthy scalp and safeguarding hair colour.

More than 70% of users have claimed to experience increased fullness, hair density and a thickening effect after using this shampoo.

I have yet to try out this shampoo and toner combination, however, the scent smells spicy and refreshing - and the travel size would definitely come in handy on road trips. I will definitely to whip out this shampoo after making a trip to the salon to touch-up my ghastly overgrown black roots.

Reviews on Make Up Alley rated this cleanser 4.2 out of 5 stars, and users remarked that the cleanser is perfect for dry skin in the winter months. 

I love that this is yet another curated product for my dry skin and sensitive skin, and will try this out to testify if it holds true to it's promises!

The Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil claims to nourish, repair and soften skin. Better yet, it's a triple threat - suitable for face, body and hair! 

Personally, the idea of using oil anywhere on my body (except for makeup remover) is a little intimidating, but this tiny bottle might just be an elixir of life to revive my terribly dry skin. 

Hah - I've found the source of that sweet, lingering, almost mysterious scent. Not one, but two sample size Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty perfumes!

Comes with an EDT spray/vaporiser (White) and EDP spray (Black). Definitely saving this for special occasions! Subscribers of The Lilac Box can also head over to the Calvin Klein counters for an exclusive gift with purchase.

What? There's more? I've seen this Kanebo Lunasol foundation in a couple of beauty boxes, but this is the first time that I'm receiving one. Reviews rate it as the most skin-transforming powder foundation, even better than Dior or Chanel!

Although I'm not a huge fan of powder foundation (more of a BB Cream hoarder), this is worth giving a try. The shade looks a tad too orange for my skin tone, but we shall see.

Topping it all off, there's two sachets of Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base to prep the face for foundation. Woots for flawless skin!

Overall, I'm pleased with this month's blind dates from The Lilac Box. Most of them are indeed blind dates for me - but incredibly pleasant ones! Keep it up, Lilac Box! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates on these products as I take the time to get to know each of them personally.

Head on over to The Lilac Box and create an account to get firsthand updates on Box 3!

Thank you for joining me! :)

xoxo,

Mabel.

*All items were purchased with my own money.

To me, beauty boxes are much like a secret pathway in the middle of a forest, littered with joyful little surprises, paving the road towards the discovery of beauty and all it's ingenuity.

But in the recent months, many beauty box subscription websites have popped up in the Malaysian market, creating many little secret pathways. Needless to say, I've fallen prey to the craze. And dare I say, it's always exciting to find a delicately wrapped box waiting on the doorstep, with delightful beauty treasures hidden within.

This is my second month with WonderBox, and they have certainly not let me down. Here's my thoughts on the February 2013 WonderBox, a little behind, but better late than never!

February WonderBox!

Here's the box of treasures, including:

1. Murad VITALIC T-Zone Pore Refining Gel 3.7ml - RM228/50ml
2. H20+ Marine Toner 30ml - RM99/200ml
3. Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer 30ml - RM180/50ml
4. Clinelle Moisture Booster 20ml - RM72.90/20ml
5. H20+ Oasis Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser 30ml - RM99/120ml
6. Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer 5ml - RM22/5ml

Product Guide

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer

This was by far my favourite product in the box. It is described as a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with SPF15 to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and provide hydration. My first impression was the absolutely heavenly scent that lingered on my skin for at least a couple of hours.

Although the consistency is slightly runny, the moisturizer stays true to its non-greasy claims and manages to hydrate my dry skin exceptionally well. Plus, it has SPF15! I will definitely consider purchasing the full-size version (with the RM30 Murad Voucher, nonetheless) once I run out of this sample.

Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer

Next, the ultra-mini Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer which came in a classic, no frills packaging. The colour is a mixture between burgundy and indigo, with hints of pink glitter. I, however, am not a fan of the texture - it tends to leave behind a matte finish (albeit opaque colour) and did not glide on very smoothly.

Nevertheless, it's always refreshing to try a new nail polish brand, and I do appreciate that the product is free from Formaldehyde, Toluene & Dibutyl Phthalate.

Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel

Teeny, tiny bottle

The Murad VITALIC T-Zone Pore Refining Gel claims to clear pores while balancing oily and dry skin, and visibly reduces pores for a flawless complexion. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the yummy pomegranate scent. The product itself it a clear, watery consistency that left the skin feeling soft and moisturised. However, I doubt that I will see noticeable results in just one or two applications.

Clinelle Moisture Booster

Hooray! More moisturizing products! The Clinelle Moisture Booster provides the skin with excellent natural recovery properties and helps maintain skin hydration at an optimum level. It is oil-free as well (yay!) and promotes moisture penetration - meant to be used after the toner and before applying moisturizer.

I tried this before applying the Murad Pomegranate Moisturizer to 'prepare' my skin for moisturizer. It felt lightweight and had a faint, citrusy scent. Can't tell if it increased moisture penetration, but for now, it will be categorized as my 'back-up' moisturizer.

H20+ Marine Toner & Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleaner

More TLC for the skin - an exfoliating cleanser and marine toner from H20+! The products have a faint sea-salt smell and is meant to improve moisture in the skin with natural marine botanicals.

H20+ Marine Toner

The toner helps revitalize and sweep away impurities while improving moisture absorption - all while containing zero alcohol that tends to dry out the skin. Can't even begin to recall the horror stories of toners that dried out my skin and stung like a queen be. My skin will definitely be soaking up all the love from this toner!.

H20+ Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser

Refreshing cleansing beads

What's better than a cleanser? An exfoliating cleanser, of course! The Dual-Action Cleanser deeply cleans the pores and removes dirt and dead skin cells for renewed skin. Loving the texture and smell of this product thus far!

Vouchers and Product Guides

The box also came with a collection of product vouchers and guides.

All in all, I'm incredibly satisfied with the WonderBox. One qualm, however, it perhaps a lack of variety - don't get me wrong, I love the skincare goodies - but it'll be awesome to see some hair, makeup and perhaps body products in the future boxes.

WonderBox is available for RM39.90 per month and includes deluxed sized beauty samples such as skincare, makeup, beauty and more! What better way to embark on a beauty journey than through a wide mix of beauty products and brands at your disposal!

You can also collect WonderBox Points to redeem free beauty boxes and more. WonderBox's Facebook Page.

Well, thank you for reading!
Check out my January WonderBox review here.

Till next time,
Stay fabulous!
xoxo Mabel