July Birchbox 2013

Whether your Jetting off somewhere exotic, planning a last minute city break, or just making the most of this current heatwave, Birchbox have you covered this month with a selection of travel friendly summer essentials. The contents of this months Birchbox may just be the best I have received thus far (although im not sure anything can top the Fresh Sugar Lip Balm from the January box). 

theBalm cosmetics | InStain Long Wearing Powder Staining Blush 

What they say: A silky powder that fits all complexions, blends seamlessly and stays all day. 

My thoughts: This is without a doubt the star product of this months box. With quite a cult status I have wanted to try something from theBalm for quite some time, and nows my chance. Not only is the packaging ridiculously cute, but its also teeny tiny, so perfect to pop in your bag or carry on!! I have only swatched this blush so far so cant comment on its application or staying power, however I can tell you that this little beauty is seriously pigmented, so I would imagine a little definitely goes a long way!!

Sound good so far?! .. 

RMK | Creamy Foundation 

What they say: The super-hydrating, creamy formula blends effortlessly for a dewy finish 

My thoughts: Im usually rather dubious about foundation samples in beauty boxes. With so many different skin tones its impossible to find a match for everyone, however I think Birchbox may, just may, have hit the nail on the head with this one!! (I received 102 the second to lightest shade in the range) Im not sure how well the dewy finish will be with my oily prone skin but im willing to give it a go!! Has anyone else tried this?! If so please let me know your thoughts on it!! 

Dead Sea Spa Magik | Gentle Cleansing Facial Wash 

What they say: Dead sea extracts remove deep-seated impurities, suitable for all skin types 

My thoughts: This brand has cropped up in so many beauty boxes in the past, so I am definitely intrigued to see what all the fuss is about!

Blanc Cachemire | Creme De Jour Protectrice 

What they say: A lightweight moisturising cream beloved by the BBx Paris team (and us!)

My thoughts: On first impressions this moisturiser smells divine and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, however it does feel a little greasy upon application, so im not sure how well my skin will get along with it!! only time will tell hey! 

VitaBella | Hand Cream 

What they say: Lasting formula packed with rose hip oil, soothing aloe vera and hyaluronic 

My thoughts: When it comes to hand creams I like to stick to the ones I know and love (the slightest thing can irritate them) so I gave this to my mum as it was right up her alley!! I swear she secretly loves raiding my Birchbox each month haha.

The Chia Co | Shots 

What they say: Bonafide superfood, packed with health-boosting omega 3, protein and more.

My thoughts: Im not to sure what to make of this months lifestyle extra, but im happy to give them a go! Have any of you tried these before?! I would be grateful for some tips.

So there we have it, the contents of my July Birchbox. Next month sees an exciting collaboration with Instyle, so definitely a box not to miss!! 

What did you think of this months box?!

June Birchbox 2013

So its finally Summer (well as Summer like as it can be in the UK) which can only mean one thing, its time to showcase our latest dresses during picnics in the park, embrace our natural waves during lazy days on the beach, flaunt our newly done manicures/pedicures whilst enjoying barbecues with friends and for the festival goers amongst us its time to wap out the wellies for a muddy weekend camping. 

Whether your attending a festival or just making the most of the summer sun, this months Birchbox is sure to keep you prepared. In all honesty the beauty box novelty was wearing off a little but with the revamped packaging (so long pink, hello beautiful pastels) Birchbox have managed to regain my attention by shaking things up a little. Oh and did I mention that one of my Instagram pics managed to make it into the magazine?! (its safe to say I did a happy dance ha). 

Beauty Protector | Protect & Detangle 

What they say: Multi-purpose products are festival friendly and this sweet-smelling spray detangles, adds shine and protects from UVA rays and heat. 

My thoughts: The beauty protector sounds perfect for my knotty mane so I cant wait to give this a try.  Although ideal for the summer months with its UVA protectants, I personally would have included a dry shampoo (lets face it, its a festival must have). 

Color Club + Birchbox | Wanderlust Collection Nail Polish

What they say: Brighten up your festival style with these exclusive-to-Birchbox neon and pastel shades

My thoughts: In celebration of the revamped boxes, Birchbox have teamed up with Color-Club to bring us four exclusive bold colours each named after Birchbox's headquarters. I received Mod In Manhattan (top marks for the name). In all honesty its not a colour I would have picked but I actually really like it. This offish white is said to represent "the glow of the mega watt city at night". Although perfect alone, this polish is fab as a base for neon shades to help make them pop. 

Coola | Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber 

What they say: Wave goodbye to sun protection's typical white residue and help prevent premature ageing with this clear cucumber-scented SPF for face. 

My thoughts: Im seriously impressed with this sunscreen. Unlike conventional sun protectors, this offering from Coola lacks that traditional and often sickly 'sunscreen' scent and instead has a fresh cucumber smell to it. On top of this its easy to blend, absorbs quickly, is non sticky and leaves no white residue. 

ModelCo | Eye Define Eye Pencil 

What they say: Highly pigmented and long-lasting, this fab pencil liner comes with an in-built sharpener - perfect for festival rock chick style. 

My thoughts: This is without a doubt the stand out product for me this month. This creamy, pigmented deep black kohl doesn't drag, which makes it perfect for applying liner under the upper lash line aswell as the waterline. 

Noble Isle | Bath & Shower Gel 
What they say: Pack a little luxury for the festival season with this bath and shower gel inspired by the countryside.

My thoughts: This smells way to masculine for my liking, so I shall be passing this onto the boyfriend (he loves a freebie ha) 

What do you make of the revamped Birchbox?! 

April Birchbox 2013

So Mr Sunshine has finally decided to work his magic, the birds are singing, flowers are beginning to bloom, coats are off, sunnies are on and the flip flops may or may not have made a cheeky appearance.

So the arrival of Aprils Birchbox with its 'in bloom' theme couldn't have come at a better time. 

"at Birchbox HQ we're longing for warmer weather, sunny days and a lighter brighter outlook. So, just as the flowers are beginning to bloom, it's time to come out of winter hibernation and show your best self".

A little unimpressed with last months offering, all has definitely been forgiven with this months box. With decent sized samples, including a full size lipstick, this may, just may be one of my favourites so far.

Mirenesse | Glossy Kiss 

What they say: Add a pop of subtle colour with this sheer-but-buildable lip stick. Once you've worn your sample down, just use a sharpener to refresh!

My thoughts: This months box is worth it for the lipstick alone. I have a confession to make, I am a chubby stick virgin (que gasps) so I was really excited to see this sitting pretty at the bottom of my box. Perfect Kiss is a pigmented pinky red with gold undertones. The perfect spring shade, im sure I will get plenty of wear out of this. 

Gerda Spillmann | Renaissance Age Serum

What they say: Keep up your youthful appearance this spring with this antioxidant-enriched hero serum. Add it to your routine for fresh, supple skin for all ages.

My thoughts: This smells divine, and I cannot wait to give it a try, however a teeny tiny 3ml sample, its hard to really get a proper perception of the product. But with its £69 price tag im telling you all now that I will not be purchasing the full size tube. 

La Societe Parisienne De Savons | Soap 

What they say: Fresh scents characterise these soaps by La Societe Parisienne De Savons, and - bonus - the retro packaging will look fab in your bathroom!! 

My thoughts: This is no doubt going to sound silly, but im really not a fan of that squeaky clean feeling you get from traditional soaps, so this will be going to my mum. However that being said it smells lovely (like parma violets), and top marks for the retro packaging.

Natio | Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser

What they say: An effective wash which omits traditional lathering chemicals to prevent skin feeling taught and dry. 

My thoughts: A serial skincare junkie I will welcome most cleansers to my routine with open arms, so I was excited to see the Natio Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser in this months box. This smells divine with notes of Sandalwood, Rosewood and Jojoba, so I cannot wait to give it a try. 

Weleda | Skin Food 

What they say: Victoria Beckham is just one star that swears by this all-natural moisturiser which softens dry heels and elbows with ease. We love it. 

My thoughts: I have already succumbed to the charm of Caudalie which has been highly praised by Posh herself, so im looking forward to trying yet another skincare item loved by the queen of all things beauty & fashion! If its good enough for Mrs Beckham then its definitely worth a shot! 

Lifestyle Extra
Birchbox | Paname Paris Mirror 
They say: Brighten up your outlook with our Birchbox 'Let The Sunshine In' mirror - perfect for those on-the-go touch ups!

My thoughts: I love this months lifestyle extra, a cute, decent sized mirror, perfect to pop in my handbag! Although I question the £7.50 price tag! 

What did you think of this months Birchbox? 

March Birchbox 2013

Is it seriously Birchbox time again?? It only feels like yesterday that I was excitedly awaiting my February box like a crazed lady. Based around Mothers day and our beauty role models (would have to be my nana, she's the reason for my lipstick and nail polish obsession!!), this months box features products from brands "with inspiring stories and results you'll want to pass on".

In all honesty the products I received were a little hit and miss this month, with the arrival of the dreaded perfume sample, and one too many lotions for my liking. That being said there are some hidden gems aswell. Want to know what I got? then read on.

Laura Geller | Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner (Black) 

what they say: "this smooth long-wearing gel eyeliner comes with a handy brush that makes it super-easy to apply. Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E are among the skin-loving ingredients" 

My thoughts: From first impressions, this eyeliner looks rather promising!! Although not the most pigmented I have tried, it glides onto the skin like a dream, and stays put, which means no fear of panda eyes (waheeey). Im also loving the packaging with the brush hidden within the lid, its a great product for touch ups on the go. 

Molton Brown | Valbonne Fragrance 

What they say: "known for their gorgeous lotion and shower gel scents, Molton Brown's fine fragrance collection is predictably heavenly. Valbonne combines notes of bergamot  dewy orange flower, rose, vetiver and leather for a sophisticated scent that will take you from day to night"

My thoughts: I wont deny that this fragrance smells divine, however im not a fan of perfume samples in beauty boxes, it maybe a sweet little extra but its something easily picked up for free in a department store. 

RMK | Cleansing Balm 

What they say:  "this rose-scented balm echoes your mum or grandmother's cold cream as it melts into skin and becomes a silky liquid that removes even stubborn make- up with ease". 

My thoughts: After lusting after Emma Hardie's cleansing balm for quite some time, I am really looking forward to trying this out. Im not usually keen on rose scents, but this smells super fresh. 

La Sultane De Saba | Body lotion with Argan Oil 

What they say: inspired by the ancient beauty rituals of the the Orient and Asia, La Sultane de Saba's body lotion with rich Argan Oil sinks into skin with ease, leaving a delicate scent". 

My thoughts: if you've read my posts for a while then you may be aware of my slight obsession with scents. Although this lotion leaves the skin feeling super soft, I cannot bare the talcum powder like smell, so I shall be passing this on to my mum. 

Yu-be | Moisturising skin cream  

What they say: "Don't let the primrose colour fool you - this multi-purpose medicated moisturiser is made of tough stuff. A bestseller in Japan since 1957, the comforting camphor scent magically disappears about a minute after application, but leaves you with super-soft skin". 

My thoughts: carrying on with the scent theme (i have issues I know) this moisturising skin cream from yu-be smells amazing (even if it does smell a little like vic haha). After hearing rave reviews about this Japanese product, I cannot wait to put it to the test. 

Beauty Extra

Sanctuary | 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask 

What they say: "this two-step process includes a peptide transformation serum and a thermal rose clay mask - follow the simple steps to reveal glowing, more youthful skin"

My thoughts: clay masks tend to be a winner with me, so im looking forward to giving this a try. 

Lifestyle extra 

Lindt | LINDOR heart tin filled with chocolate truffles

My thoughts: aside from my passion for beauty and fashion, I may or may not have a massive sweet tooth, so its hardly surprising that these lasted all of two minutes (note to Birchbox, if you fancy adding a tin of these each month, please feel free) 

So there we have it, thats the contents of this months Birchbox. Certainly not my favourite month, down to the perfume sample and one to many body lotions, however all is forgiven with the addition of the RMK Cleansing Balm and the chocolate truffles (have I already mentioned how yummy they were? ha). 

What did you make of this months Birchbox?? 

February Birchbox 2013

Hello lovelies,

So its that time of the month again (not the one your thinking of), when I hear that awaited knock on the door and like a crazed woman greet the postman as if he's a long lost friend. Reason why? well he was holding a bright pink box, which can mean only one thing, its Birchbox time. 

After seeing various other enthusiastic bloggers snapping away at the contents of their boxes, it seemed as though I was going to be late to the party this month, but there was no need to fret as I now have a box of goodies within my mitts. 

Fancy Seeing what products I received this month? then read on 

With last months box being such a hit, I was concerned that this one wouldn't live up to my expectations. But I am happily surprised with the content. 

This months products are based on the glitz, glam, hustle & bustle of london fashion week. 

What they say: "inside, there's a beauty tool that will give your eyes a catwalk-worthy pop, a star hair product to give your strands a boost and a facial spritz to refresh your skin whether its morning, noon or night". 

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills/ plump N'thick leave-in thickening mist 

"Get visible volume with this light but powerful leave-in treatment from Nick Chavez. Just spritz onto towel dried hair before styling" 

My thoughts: Im beginning to enjoy trying different hair treatments, so im hoping that this product does what it say on the tin. 

Vichy Thermal Spa Water (Limited Edition)

"Soothing and regenerating, this multi-purpose product is naturally enriched with 15 minerals and 13 trace elements. It can be used as a toner, to set make-up or as a refreshing boost" 

My thoughts: A big fan of beauty waters, especially Caudalie's Beauty Elixir  and Avenue's thermal water, im looking forward to trying this out. 

 Korres Guava Shower Gel 50ml

"the sweet, sophisticated scent of this moisturising shower gel will invigorate you, while wheat proteins and aloe vera cleanse and hydrate your skin. Absolutely divine"

My thoughts: I have heard so many great things about this brand and have lusted after their infamous lip butters for quite some time. This being the case I was so excited to see one of their products in my box, and at a decent 50ml size too (on a side note, imagine the excitement if a Korres lip-balm had been involved).  

The shower gel smells absolutely amazing. With my one and only bottle of Lush's ponche running dangerously low, this comes as a very welcome replacement. 

 Gerda Spillmann Bio Fond Cream Foundation

"This light, creamy base is easy to apply, offers great coverage and sets to a powder finish. No wonder it's used on movie sets- we're ready for our close-up!"

My thoughts: This foundation seemed promising with sturdy black packaging, a decent sized mirror, a sponge applicator, and on top of that smells divine (it smells a bit like Liz Earle's superskin moisturiser), but thats where the positives ended when I saw the shade. The one issue with foundations in beauty boxes is shading, although to give Birchbox credit its not far off.
The choices for describing skin colour on the beauty profile survey consists of answers such as, light, like the romantic Kirsten Dunst, and Dark, like the provocative Rihanna. Although Birchbox can get an idea from this, surely it is impossible to find each customers exact shade? 

 Eyelash Curler BEAUTY EXTRA

"Get a wide-open, catwalk-worthy gaze with the help of this Birchbox eyelash curler. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes" Full Size

My thoughts: In dire need of new Eyelash Curlers, im looking forward to giving these a try. 

EBOOST Natural Energy Booster 

"We're relying on EBOOST's natural, nutrient-rich, no-crash tonic to see us through this year's Fashion Week". 

my thoughts: Not a lover of supplements and such like, I will be passing this sachet on to my boyfriend, whom will be more than happy to try it!! 

Altogether I am really impressed with this months Birchbox, only problem is that I have to wait till March for my next beauty box fix!!

Birchbox UK..first impressions

 A big hit with 300,000 beauty addicts worldwide, the New York based beauty subscription service Birchbox has decided to touch down on British soil, and take over what was formerly known as Joliebox.Like various other beauty subscriptions out there, Birchbox aim to offer 4-5 deluxe samples each month, catering to subscribers beauty profiles. 

With my one and only experience of Beauty boxes leaving a sour taste in my mouth (here's looking at you Harrods glossybox), I was hesitant about trying another subscription service, but now a graduate with a more disposable income (unlike when I signed up to glossybox), and a growing desire to try new things, I decided to bite the bullet and give beauty boxes a second chance.

If this months box is a preview of whats to come then I will happily say that I have made the right decision. (best of all there was not one single perfume sample in sight hooraaah)

Lets see whats in my box

 Fresh sugar rose lip treatment 2.2g 

What they say: "beauty editors love this delicious treatment, which keeps lips flake-free and soft"

My thoughts:  At a whopping £15.50, and a hard to find item in the UK, This months box is worth it for this product alone!! After receiving the sephora fresh duo way back in June I have become totally smitten with this lip treatment (and the brand in general), so much so that it featured in my 2012 faviourites. This beauty smells amazing (I would say it has a more sweet, lemon scent rather than a rose one) and is extremely moisturizing.

 KMS California (Free shape quick blow dry) 30ml

What they say: "save precious time with this dual-phase mist: the top layer detangles and softens hair, while the bottom layer helps it dry faster"

My thoughts: If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you'll be aware of my sheer laziness when it comes to haircare, this being the case a product claiming to reduce drying time, is a very welcome addition. Fingers crossed it works.

Reverence de Bastien (Ungent for nail & Cuticles) FULL SIZE

What they say: "Apply this french brands argan and vitamin-rich treatment to your nails between manis to keep them healthy"

My thoughts: After seeing sneak peeks of various other boxes containing miniature moisturizers (something I have a plenty of) I was excited to see a full sized sample of the reverence de Bastien Ungent for nail and cuticles. With hints of red berries, this smells absolutely amazing. It leaves nails and surrounding skin feeling really smooth, although it is somewhat oily/ greasy once applied, which is probably due to argan oil being an ingredient.

Wei (royal Ming firming and hydrating cream)

What they say: "Inspired by 600-year-old recipe used by Chinese courtesans, this supercharged cream contains 18 herbs to address all the signs of skin ageing" 

my thoughts: Iv'e not really heared much about this brand, but with the full size tube costing a whopping £74 im intrigued to see what all the fuss is about!!

Lifestyle extra (I love how glossybox add this additional sample) 

Teapigs (Chamomile flowers)

What they say: "the chamomile flower is celebrated for its medicinal benefits, which include calming, soothing anxiety and aiding sleep"

my thoughts: with a developing obsession with herbal tea, Im looking forward to trying this, although I would have perhaps preferred one of the other flavours, but who knows I may love it. 

All in all I am thoroughly pleased with this months Birchbox. With 5 reasonable sized samples, including one full size product costing over £10 I really feel like iv'e received my moneys worth out of this box.

my only niggle is that the parcel in which the box arrived in, had no sticker etc for preventing someone tampering with the products inside, but apart from that im extremely happy.

 Im already looking forward to next months box!!

Have you subscribed to Birchbox? If so what were your thoughts??