Birchbox UK May 2014 Review

 

First of all I need to applaud the Birchbox customer services department.  They sent me tracking for my box a while ago but it never arrived and the tracking turned out to be an invalid number.  I contacted them on Thursday afternoon, they replied Friday morning to say another box had been dispatched and it arrived in Saturday's post.  I hate Yodel which is their usual carrier and goodness knows where the original box went  but I'm happy Birchbox customer services sorted it out.

 

What a box it was as well.  In association with Harpers Bazaar the box is a lot more colourful than usual and unlike previous collaborations the actual box is printed rather than just being a normal box in a sleeve.

 

and here is what I got.

very rapid coat of this Soigne Nail Lacquer in cerise.  I only used one coat for the photo and it is very messy but I really like the colour and consistency.  You can tell it is a quality product.

Aromatherapy Associates Relax Light Bath and Shower Oil.  This is a tiny one dose sample and I can't see that I would buy it.  First of all it is £39 and secondly oil and bath just do not mix in this house with the number of clumsy males.  We tried some before (a different brand) and no matter how light it promises to be there is always a slippy residue.  Smells gorgeous though.

Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo.  I can take or leave this type of product but if it is there I will use it especially in the summer when my hair frizzes so I tend not to wash it as much. 

 

I'll be honest and say I'm not a big fan of benefit products and I do prefer waterproof mascara for my stupid watery eyes at this time of year.  However I will definitely use it once the hayfever season is gone.

Imedeen Derma One tablets which are supposed to be anti ageing.  I am a bit sceptical about this type of product and need to do a bit of research before I decide to use them.

 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser  -  I love this product.  I ran out of cleanser this week and have been using a very old one which probably should be in the bin so when I saw this I was happy.  The idea is you massage the cleanser into dry skin and then wipe it off with the cloth which has been run under hot water.  I used it this morning and it felt wonderful.

Despite some of the items not really being my cup of tea so to speak I really like this box.  The cleanser is definitely my favourite closely followed by the nail lacquer.  Thumbs up Birchbox UK.

Birchbox UK October 2013 Review

My October Birchbox arrived yesterday and this is what it contained (excuse the crappy phone pics)

and the individual products:
 

Beauty Extra - Egyptian Magic
What - A cult multi-purpose healing skin cream made with just six all natural ingredients.
How - Take a small amount and rub it in your hands until it turns to oil, the apply to skin or ends of hair.

I'm intrigued by this product.  I have very dry hands during the winter and I'm going to save it to use as a hand cream.

 

Dr Lipp. Nipple Balm For Lips - Versatile lip balm that started life as a nipple balm! Hydrates and repairs dry flaky skin, sealing in moisture

This was actually damaged and has leaked so there isn't a huge amount left in the tube but bearing in mind that only a very small amount is needed I'm happy to just use what is left.  It is very rich and certainly does what it says.
 

theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac - This easily blended two in one lip and cheek stain gives a natural, understated blush.

Second lip and cheek stain in a week (MeMeMe in Glossybox earlier in the week).  This one is far superior to the MeMeMe one.  For starters it has a wand rather than a brush and goes on a lot easier.  The colour is slightly different but this one gives more coverage.
 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser - A sheet, lightweight formula to add a healthy glow and moisturise with antioxidant vitamin complex and SPF20.

The shade of this is sand and in the tube looked quite dark for my skin tone but it was a very good match when I applied it.  Definitely like this.
 

Akane Mask Cocoon Nocturne - a fresh apple scented gel mask to help beat signs of tiredness and hydrate thirsty skin.

I'm not a fan of apple scents but this is subtle enough not to be overpowering whilst in bed.  I've not used it yet so I'm looking forward to doing that tonight.
 

KMS California Silk Sheen Styling Crème - A lightweight formula that provides heat protection and control even for those prone to frizz.

That would be good for my frizzy prone mop then.  I'm washing my hair later so I'm looking forward to trying it.
 

Lifestyle Extra The Chia Co Shots - Bonafide superfood, packed with health boosting omega 3, protein and more.

I'm looking forward to this. I've heard so much about the health benefits and can definitely see myself buying more.

All in all I like this box and in comparison to the god awful Glossybox I got earlier in the week this is fantastic.

Glossybox UK October 2013 | Dark Romance

Don't let the theme title fool you should have been the strapline for Glossybox this month!

The cover of the magazine, which has been widely shown on social media in the run up to the receipt of this box, held promise of maybe a nice deep red nail polish or lipstick or maybe smoky eyes. When I opened the box this is what I found:

The products themselves are average but not exactly fitting the theme of Dark Romance. 

The two closest fits are what I'll cover first:

MeMeMe Cherub's Blush - Cheek & Lip Tint - Full size 12ml product worth £5.50. Go from day to night with MeMeMe's sultry rouge tint!  Long lasting and multi functional, it also comes with a handy application brush, making it a perfect addition to your handbag for glamorous touch ups on the go.

I'm not a fan of MeMeMe but I wanted to give this the benefit of the doubt since it did fit the theme.  I'm sorry but I really don't like it.  The brush has some sort of coating on it that came off on my lips making it an altogether unpleasant experience.  The product itself didn't make a difference to my lips.  I tried it on my cheeks and whilst the coating was still coming off the brush it did seem to give a small amount of blush.  Most of it came off on my fingers when I patted it into the skin and stained them so the colour stain is obviously there.  I wouldn't buy it even at £5.50 but I will probably use it as a blush despite not really liking it.

 

Katy Perry Killer Queen perfume sample - £29.50 for 50ml. This sample is 1.5ml.

Again it kind of fits the theme.  I like perfume samples even though a lot of people don't. Mainly because I'm too shy to ask for one in Boots.  This is nice, maybe a touch overpowering for day to day use but nice all the same and I probably would buy it.

Now we get on to the other stuff:
 

Premae Multi Vit Smoothie Serum - Full size is £22.50 for 50ml this is 20ml.

Premae is the world's first allergen free brand, meaning that anything they produce is more than kind to skin. 

It is very highly scented, which I'm assuming is the 100% lemongrass oil.  Whilst I like the idea behind the brand the scent is really rather offputting.  I will use it but it won't be a repeat purchase.

 

Monu Illuminating Primer - Full size is £24.95 for 50ml this is 20ml.

This primer is paraben free and has been formulated with light reflective Mica particles and soft focus technology to brighten the complexion, add instant sheen and enhance your natural radiance.

Again this doesn't smell too nice (nothing I can put my finger on but not too pleasant) but I like the promise of the illumination.  I don't think I could justify spending the best part of £25 on buying it again though.
 

and the final product - Vita Liberata Latte Illuminating Skin Finish - Full size £29.95 for 30ml this is 2 sachets with a generous 3ml each in them.

This multi product offers perfect coverage and a flawless medium bronzing to the skin with added Broad Spectrum SPF25 whilst also creating an iridescent optical illusion as it's subtle shimmering particles capture the light.

I've tried this and even using a small amount produces quite an orange effect.  I certainly won't be buying it.

Overall, without the Dark Romance theme, I wouldn't have been glowing with happiness at this box.  It is pretty average/below average for Glossybox.  The theme promised something a little more than this and it is hugely disappointing.

I actually cancelled Glossybox last month but something happened and the cancellation didn't go through properly. Never thought to check it properly so I was surprised when the payment went through. I decided to give it one more shot but now that cancellation has definitely shown up on my account after this box.  My time with Glossybox is well and truly over.  I'm looking forward to the October Birchbox arriving very soon.

Birchbox UK v Glossybox UK September 2013

Both boxes turned up on the same day this month

First up Birchbox:

This month it contained:

Reverence de Bastien nail polish shade no 13 which is a nice deep red with a touch of shimmer.  The RRP for this is £16 and it definitely feels like an expensive product.  Not a colour I would usually choose for myself but I'm pleased they sent it as it is great to try for the autumn.

Bioderma Sebium H20 make up remover 20ml.  Not much to say about it other than it is a make up remover and it removes make up effectively.  I don't think I would buy it again but it was nice to try.

Eva Cosmetics Mystic Diamond 60ml.  Hair oil with diamond powder for incomparable shine.  I love hair products that add shine and this one didn't disappoint.

Model Co Party Proof Lipstick £15.50 for a set of 3 so around £5.18ish for this one.  The shade is called Kitty and I absolutely love it. It is a nude pink in a shade I've been looking for in Boots for ages so I'm chuffed to bits with this.

Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Nourishing Body Lotion 30ml.  This is the same fragrance as the body wash in the last box.  Love it.  It holds the fragrance for quite some time.

Green & Black's White Chocolate mini.  Love love love white chocolate. Shame it was a small sample but that is a good thing for the waistline.

Fabulous box this month from Birchbox. I couldn't be happier with it.


 

and here's what Glossybox had to offer this month:

The box this month was a fun union jack design and the tissue paper was printed with iconic british things like telephone boxes and black cabs.

The contents were:

Toni & Guy Classic Shine Gloss Serum. Full size 30ml.  Another shine product.  I feel spoilt.  Love it.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Onyx Eye Liner.  A black eyeliner like a felt tip.  I must admit to not having tried this as I don't really use eye liner but it is good to have in my kit.

HD Brows Bronzer Full size £19.95.  I'll be honest and say that despite the description being that it suits all complexions I found that it is a case of using a very small amount as a blusher or you end up looking like a tango oompa loompa.  Probably would be better to describe it as suitable for medium to dark complexions.

Eylure Pre-glued lashes.  Hmmm I hate it when they put these things in the boxes.  I hope it is a one off and we aren't getting them regularly as happened with She Said Beauty last year.  I just don't wear them so these will be a gift I guess.

Elizabeth Arden Untold 5ml sample.  Unlike a lot of other people I actually really like perfume samples in beauty boxes.  This one is like a miniature bottle which makes a nice change.  This particular one is absolutely gorgeous.  I always associated Elizabeth Arden as being highly floral scents which I'm not too fond of but this is one I could see myself buying.

I should just add that I was sent an additional product by Glossybox because I complained about receiving Olay again.  The additional product was a Philosophy cleanser which I have enjoyed using.

So a direct comparison this month and I think Birchbox has the edge because I will use every single product whereas the Glossybox (whilst still good this month) has those flipping lashes.

Glossybox August 2013 - The Contents

Fresh from the delivery driver. 

Feeling a bit blah about this box. Quick run down - Eyelash Curler, Jelly Pong Pong 2in1 shadow/liner, makeup remover pen, Tresemme treatment and flipping Olay (why after so many last year????)

Reserving judgement (well not with the Olay because I tried it several times last year) until I've tried it. I'm not sure that I want to put the makeup remover thing anywhere near my eyes after seeing what that sort of thing does to nail polish but there is only one way to try it I suppose. 

I'll be back in a few days with my verdict. 

Edited to add - The Verdict:

Ok so lets start with the Olay issue. I received Olay three times at the back end of last year. This particular product - 3 point treatment I received two months in a row and now I've received it again so I'm not too pleased as the whole concept of beauty boxes as far as I'm concerned is trying different products. I took it up with Glossybox and, although they seem to think after 8 months people want to try it again, they did say they would send something else. I feel like I'm moaning for moanings sake and I have nothing against Olay. I just don't think it very fair to have it so many times when other people have different items. 

Anyway rant over on that one and I'll update with what they send as a replacement once it arrives. 

Next up - eyelash curlers by Emite Make Up. I've tried eyelash curlers before and because my lashes are really long I didn't like the effect so these are still in their packaging. 

Make up remover pen by Oceane - I am a bit hesitant with this product. My eyes are quite sensitive and I don't like the idea of sticking a pen I've used before onto them without causing infection. Probably a touch over cautious on my part I guess as eyeliners are used over and over. I'll probably stick to a cotton bud dipped in eye makeup remover used once. 

Jelly Pong Pong 2 in 1 shadow/liner. I got what I can only describe as a forest green shade.  Jury is out on this. It's a bit draggy on the lids to use as a liner and for the same reason as a shadow. I'm going to try it wet and see how that goes. 

Lastly and my absolute favourite out of the box is the cheapest. Tresemme Platinum Strength Instant Rescue Shot. A little one dose conditioning treatment that was an absolute pleasure to use. Usually when I've washed my hair it goes fluffy regardless of what shampoo/conditioner I've used but with this it dried flat with no fluff or frizz in sight. Definitely something I'll buy again. 

To sum up it was a disappointing box for me. I know others loved theirs from looking at the reviews. Just not for me this month I'm afraid. 

I've invested in the August Birchbox so will review that soon. 

March 2013 Glossybox Review

After the quick glance the other day here is my full review.

The theme is City Chic and in the box I got:

L'Occitane En Provence Immortelle Precious Cream.  Anti ageing cream with massive claims.  I'm not convinced after using it once or twice but time will tell I suppose.  It does sink in lovely though.  £43 for 50ml and this tub is 15ml

Nails Inc Bruton St.  A beautiful pink shade. Can't go wrong with Nails Inc in a beauty box as far as I'm concerned.  This shade is a dusky pink and perfect for any length of nail. £11 for 10ml and this is a 4ml mini.

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush moisturising lip stain.  I wasn't happy to see this shade in the box on first impressions but it is growing on me and certainly isn't quite as bright and in your face as it looks.  Doesn't last too long.  Full size is £12 for 2.5g and this is the full sized product

Tresemme Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray.  Does what it says on the tin - fast drying and long lasting hold.  Smells nice too.  I don't usually buy anything other than asda or boots own hairspray so this made a nice change to try.  £4.69 for 500ml and this is 100ml.

 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant.  My first impression was WOW when I saw this in the box.  I've heard so much about it and have wanted to try it but couldn't justify the expense.  My hands are a mess at the moment from the crazy temperature changes in the UK and forgetting to put my gloves on so I tried it on them.  I am seriously impressed.  It is very greasy but my hands do look better.  Full size £25 for 50ml and this is 7ml.

 

Overall I am very happy with this box.  Still not a fan of red lipsticks but hey ho.

 

Speaking of lipsticks I picked a number using random.org from the comments made on the February glossybox post and the winner of the lipstick I was giving away is comment number 1 who is:

 

Killian Reimers said...

Hi! I've received the same lipstick in the 'Dreamer' shade - it's a shimmery pink, which doesn't completely suit my skin tone. Would you be interested in swapping or are you just giving away your lipstick? I'd be interested!

- Killian x

indulgenceonabudget.blogspot.co.uk

13 February 2013 14:03

 

Killian please can you email me at lambournekerry@aol.com and I'll send you the lipstick.

December 2012 Glossybox Review

First of all I want to mention the November glossybox and my dissatisfaction with it. Glossybox promised an extra product in this month's box. That extra product has put them right up to the top of Santa's good list - Dr Jart Beauty Balm. I got a different one of these a couple of months ago and I have used it at least 3-4 times a week so I am over the moon to have another.




Now onto the actual December box. It is a silver box with black tissue wrapped in silver ribbon and the shredded nest the products sit on is silver aswell this month. Very festive.




The contents list is a huge fold out sheet this month




and the contents piccie




So each individual item.



Milk_Shake conditioning whipped cream - this is a leave in hair conditioner with milk, wheat germ and casein proteins. 200ml/£14.79 and this is 100ml so about £7.84 ish.

I am looking forward to trying this. My hair is rather frizz prone so anything that promises conditioning properties appeals.




Anatomicals what a complete and utter glosser. i never fake strawberry milkshake. fruity lip gloss tube 10ml/£3.49 This is a full sized product

What can I say? It's a lip gloss and it smells and tastes of strawberries




Seche Nail Lacquer. I don't know how to tell the shade name of this but it's a gorgeous coppery sort of shade. Absolutely perfect for me. Full sized 14ml £9.95




This one is a bonus product apparently - glossybox blusher in Glossy Rosewood - again perfect shade for me




Rituals Magic Touch Body Cream in cherry blossom and rice milk 200ml/£15 this is 70ml at about a fiver.

I love this. It is really thick and soaks straight into my dry skin with the added bonus of smelling divine.




Sleek Makeup i-Divine True eyeshadow palette. This one is called Oh So Special 658. Full size £7.99

The first thing that struck me about this is how similar to the MUA Undressed palette it is but I use that everyday and am almost out of one or two shades so I am very happy to receive some almost identical ones.

So to sum this box up - perfectomondo :)))))))))

Every single thing in this box I will use and not just to try it like some of the things in the past. The makeup colours are perfect, the other items are things I will use. Ten out of ten this month glossybox.

What did you get?

November 2012 Glossybox

Mmmmm not quite sure what to say about this month's box.

Here is the picture of  the contents:

It is meant to based around stocking fillers.


I'll start with the positives.


Alison Claire Natural Beauty Mango Body Butter 50ml - A delicious blend of organic mango and cocoa butters will leave your skin feeling wonderful. Original product £15/200ml - which makes this worth £3.75.

I love this product. It's in a pump dispenser which is quite unusual for a body butter and whilst I'm not a fan of mango it doesn't smell too bad. I tried a bit on my dry hands and it sunk right in. A winner I think.




Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - 13g. A unique rice-based powder that gently exfoliates skin, leaving it noticeably smoother and brighter. Original product £38.50/75g - so this is worth around £6.67 so I guess with this and the body butter I've got my money worth. 
I have heard of this product before but I didn't know anything about it. I am quite excited to try it.




Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top coat/Porchester Square/Notting Hill Gate  - 3 nails inc best sellers including traffic stopping brights and the award winning Caviar Top Coat.  Original product £11-£12/10ml
I read that to mean there would be all 3 in the box so I was disappointed to find there was just the top coat in a meagre 4ml size.  Obviously I didn't read it in the way it was intended. However I do like Nails Inc and I don't have one of their top coats so am looking forward to trying it.


I did say I was doing the positives first so I'm getting to the more negative ones as you can tell by the comments about the nails inc.




Next up is Wei Beauty Jujube Age Control Serum 4ml - This all in one anti aging serum renews, revitalises and restores suppleness and elasticity. Original product £60/30ml so this is a hefty amount of moneys worth at £8 for a sample which would probably last for two applications. 
It is nice but I'm fed up to the back teeth of skincare stuff lately. I'll elaborate on that in my summing up at the end.




Lastly (can you hear the sigh as I'm typing?) for the second month in a row Olay Regenerist 3 Point Treatment Cream and the third month in a row for Olay.
Yes I like their products but three months in a row is not acceptable and two repeat products in as many months is definitely not acceptable.

So my opinion this month -

Good points - the body butter and Dermalogica and maybe the Nails Inc had they included all 3 as mini samples as it reads to me.

Bad points - my beauty profile with glossybox specifically stated when I resubbed that I preferred to receive make up, body and perfume products not facial skincare.  They changed their website and we had to do a new beauty profile which is now not able to be viewed. There wasn't an option for your type of product preferences just what sort of skin you have, hair type etc and I can see that maybe they have to send skincare products depending on what they can source from suppliers that particular month.  I'm not over the moon about it but I can live with it.  What I am not happy about is getting the exact same product two months in a row and I've emailed Glossybox to complain about it, query the nails inc wording about 3 products and also (this makes me sound really greedy) to ask why there wasn't a full sized product in my box this month.  That doesn't bother me too much and maybe if the Nails Inc had been a set of 3 minis I wouldn't have queried the full size thing but whilst I was emailing them anyway I took the opportunity to ask. 

I will of course report back on what they have to say if I get a reply to my email.

Hope if you got a Glossybox this month you were a bit more satisfied with your loot.

Glossybox October 2012 Review

The October Glossy box has just arrived.  This month the theme is DIY Beauty.


The full contents piccie




and each individual item -


Dr Jart Premium Beauty Balm - This Dr Jart+ BB cream provides high SPF40 protection with anti-oxidents. A slightly glossy, low coverage cream which helps fight ageing. Particularly suitable for those over 30.  Original product £24/40ml. This is 15ml so about £9 in value.  



It actually says The Boots Company on the packaging which I was surprised at.  I tried a little bit and I like it.  It appears quite dark when you squeeze a little out so I was expecting to be a bit oompaloompa like after applying it but I wasn't.  Maybe a little expensive for me to purchase again but if I could afford it I would consider it.



Olay Regenerist 3-Point Treatment Cream Fragrance Free - doesn't really say much on the info card about it. Olay say it is for areas prone to ageing - eyes, jawline and neck.  Original product £29.99/50ml so this 7ml sample tube is worth around £4.19.




I do like Olay products but this is the second month in a row I have received their products. Nevertheless I will use it.


Skinetica Anti-Blemish - A unique solution for clearing skin blemishes, showing results in 2-3 days. Kind to skin with no side effects. Original product £6.99/100ml.  There is no size on this product but it isn't very big - maybe 10 or 15ml so less than a £1 worth.




I do get blemishes every so often so I will definitely be finding a use for this and if it works as it claims then I may buy the full size for my teenagers.


Anatomicals - Don't Just Clean It Woman, Scrub It Body Scrub - A pink grapefruit body scrub that buffs with a bravura sense of charm and wit. Original product £3.49/200ml so this 75ml sample is worth £1.30. 




Nothing special when I tried it on my hand but it will go into the bathroom with the other shower products that we use in the bath (no shower in our house :( ) I've no idea what bravura means - maybe it just means brave.  I've purposely not linked up to their website because it goes through a film sequence thing at the beginning that gets stuck.


Yves Rocher France - Moisturising Cream Lipstick - Couleurs Nature Framboise - Perfect coverage from the first application: a smooth, supple luminous film covering the lips. Full size product worth £14.50




Now Yves Rocher is a company I used to buy quite a few things from.  They had some great offers but they kind of tailed off a bit so it is nice to see them back.  This product however is not me in the slightest little bit.  It's bright red and definitely not a colour I will use so if anybody fancies swapping for something a little less bright please get in touch (lambournekerry@aol.com)
The call centre for Yves Rocher used to be quite close by and I knew people who used to work there. It always used to make me laugh when I had cause to ring them. The operators had to talk with a french accent.

My Verdict - I'm not disappointed with this box but definitely not thrilled either though. Maybe if the lipstick had been a more muted shade and they hadn't sent Olay for the second month in a row it would be a different verdict.