Birchbox – January 2015

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beauty, beauty box, Birchbox

I had a six month offer for Birchbox, so this month’s box is my last. I’ve been impressed with the service, and I’m only cancelling because I am trying to save money – also, I’ve loads of samples to use up. I do recommend the Birchbox service if you’re interested in trying a beauty box subscription. The service is reliable and the box contents are interesting and worth the price, in my opinion.

The January box is delivered in conjunction with Women’s Health, and is all about exercise and healthy living – what else? It’s a bit of a cliché, but I did like the bright box design. Inside, there are a number of products to help you feel better inside and out.

activbod Cooling Finish Lotion – A handy lotion for after exercising, which is useful as I’ve just restarted the “30 Day Shred” programme.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum – A good serum which should hopefully help me get glowing skin this January.

Embrace Matcha Green Tea – Unfortunately I thought this was disgusting. I’m going to stick to Camomile & Honey if I want a change from normal tea!

HealGel Intensive – A useful cream which I find works well on my dry, cracked hands at this time of year.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner – My hair is dry but this conditioner works really well.

Stila Lip Glaze – I’ve had one of these before. I think they’re expensive for what they are, but they are nice nevertheless so I’m happy to get a free one. The colour is lovely, too.

It’s sad to stop the subscription, but at least I’ll be able to reduce some clutter at home by concentrating on using up the products I already have.

Birchbox – December 2014

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beauty, beauty box, Birchbox

Any December beauty box should be pretty good, what with Christmas and all, but I’ve been particularly impressed with Birchbox‘s offering. I even got to choose my nail polish shade before delivery – I’ve got several red glitter polishes so I chose the green, appropriately named “Absinthe”. The box itself was designed by someone called Sophia Webster, and I really like it – it’s covered in jewels and is really pretty.

Here’s what I got in my box:

Sophia Webster purse – a handy purse with a nice design. I’m sure I’ll use this at some point.

Models Own Nail Polish Velvet Goth – I chose the shade “Absinthe” which is a gorgeous glittery dark green. Really pleased with this.

Benefit High Beam – I already have some of this, but I love this product so was happy to get some more. Plus, I love the little cracker it came in.

Electric Hair Hydrate Shampoo – I always enjoy trying new shampoos and can’t wait to give this a go.

Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream – I hope I’m still young enough not to need firming cream, but I’ll give this a go anyway, to see if it makes a difference to my skin.

Eyeko Fat Eye Stick – This came in a lovely smoky shade, easy to apply and very effective.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator – I will use this after the Christmas holidays, when I am sure I will be in desperate need of something to brighten my skin.

Altogether, a really impressive box, which I’m pretty pleased with.

Birchbox – November 2014

Tags

beauty, beauty box, Birchbox

After being, if not disappointed, distinctly underwhelmed with my October Birchbox, I was very impressed indeed with my November box.

With a “cosy” theme, it was full of items designed to help you through the cold winter months.

I got:

Dr. Jart+ Skincare V7 Cleansing Foam – I’d never heard of this brand but my friend tells me it is a well-known and praised beauty brand in Korea, so I was excited to get this.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle – A handy spray to help look after my hair. Very useful especially as my hair is growing longer and is more prone to tangles.

OPI Coca-Cola Collection Nail Lacquer – I love OPI and this is a gorgeous dark purple shade.

English Laundry Signature for Her EDP Spray – Despite the uninspiring name I loved the scent of this perfume – warm, musky and sweet.

Lord & Berry Bronzer (Sienna) – I rarely use bronzer as I am so pale, but this will come in handy if I am ill and I need to look a bit more “human”.

Drinkwel Capsule Bottle – I am intrigued by these – they are designed to help prevent hangovers. I will be very interested to see how they work over the Christmas period!

The next box will be the Christmas one – wonder what will be inside?

Birchbox – October 2014

Tags

beauty, beauty box, Birchbox

I received my October Birchbox a little later than usual, but better late than never. This one, which had a “breast cancer awareness” theme, wasn’t as exciting as my previous box, but I was reasonably happy with it.

My box

Fun stuff

I got:

Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum – a pleasant serum that makes skin feel soft.

Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm (Honey Nectar) – a lovely lip balm which tastes really nice.

Shaveworks The Cool Fix – a handy calming balm for use on skin after shaving.

Cattier Pink Clay Mask For Sensitive Skin – a relaxing face mask.

KMS California HAIR PLAY Dry Wax – a handy wax for keeping hair under control.

I also got a little pink makeup bag and a pen designed to look like a pink lipstick. I guess you can never have too many pens or makeup bags!

Birchbox – September 2014

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beauty, beauty box, Birchbox

I was very excited to receive my September Birchbox through the post. After a great August box, I was really looking forward to it.

My September box

Inspired by “back to school”, the theme for September was “Happy Days”. It’s many years since I was at school, but I liked the theme anyway, and loved the design of the box.

Happy Days

Here’s what I got in my September box:

This month’s goodies

Korres Citrus Shower Gel – I have tried this before and I really like it, so I was happy to receive this. It’s refreshing and smells lovely.

Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream – I’ve tried this before too and it’s a good eye cream, so I was happy to have this.

ModelCo® Lip Lacquer Viva – This is so dinky, it would be ideal to pop into a tiny evening bag. I really like the colour.

Beautyblender and Blendercleanser – I was mega-chuffed to get this, as it is super expensive to buy. It’s a great way to apply foundation smoothly and without lines.

Agave Healing Oil Treatment – I’ve tried a lot of these hair treatments and this one is no better and no worse than any other. It does make my hair soft and shiny.

Urban Fruit Magnificent Mango – A bonus food sample. I thoroughly enjoyed this as I adore mango.

Photo Holder – Birchbox included this to be in keeping with the Happy Days theme – you are meant to put a photo of a happy event here. A nice little extra.

Overall, I am really happy with this month’s box, particularly the Beautyblender. I hope next month’s box is as good!