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?!

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??