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.

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.

Birchbox UK August 2013

Being somewhat disillusioned with Glossybox this month I looked for alternatives and found that Birchbox took over another beauty box company earlier in the year - yes I know - what planet must I live on not to know this little nugget of information. It was a Birchbox on someone's blog from the US that set me off on my beauty box adventure so I was chuffed to bits to find out they are now over here. 

I ordered it over the weekend and it arrived on Thursday via the Yodel courier who thought, since nobody came to the door, it would be ok to put it in a 'safe location' ie throw it over our 6ft back gate straight into a fresh doggie doo. The outer box had come open but thankfully the inner box was fine. Needless to say I complained to Yodel who were a bit dismissive and just said the courier would be told. I also asked Birchbox if they could put a note on the address label in future that there is no safe location. They were fantastic and are taking it up with Yodel and are using Royal Mail for my delivery in future. 

Onto the box - they come in a box with a cute little drawstring bag holding all the products. 

and the contents in that cute little bag

Bluemandarines SkinLife Energetic Cellular Cream - a light peptide packed cream which brightens, refreshes and protects skin.  This smells really expensive and feels fabulous on the skin. Definitely something I would consider buying if I could afford it. Full size is £35. 

Philip Kingsley elasticizer - a hair saviour. This mask strengthens, nourishes and prevents breakages.  I've used this today and whilst it does the job I have to say that at £27.50 it is a tad expensive and I preferred the Tresemme treatment from the Glossybox. I do love trying hair products that aren't of the tousled beach variety so it's a good choice. 

Gerda Spillmann Hydro Pearls - ensure your base lasts and lasts with this smoothing primer. I'm looking forward to trying this. I have noticed my eye makeup disappears from one eye faster than the other so hopefully a good primer will keep them both the same for longer. Full size for this is £30

LAQA & Co Lip Pencil - a moisturising lip pencil perfect for day to night, in two hot summer colours. My first thought was oh another red lip product which just is not me but I did give this a go. It is quite intense but blotting it decreased the intensity quite a bit so I am quite happy. Full size is £14. I think this is probably half size. 

Molton Brown ylang ylang body wash - wow what can I say besides it smells amazing and is a body wash. Love their products. Full size is £18. 

Inner Me supplements - bonafide superfood, packed with health boosting omega 3 protein and more.  I'm not so sure about this. It is supposed to enhance skin, hair and nails which god knows I certainly need. I need to do a bit of research into this though before I stick a tablet in my mouth. 

Last of all Birchbox Gel Mask - this gel filled mask cools the eye area and decreases puffiness.  My daughter has one of these and swears by it for hayfever symptoms so its good to have as a standby for puffy eyes. Mine are terribly sensitive lately so this can only be a good product. 

All in all in very happy with this box. Can't wait to see what they have in store for September's box. 

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.

Glossybox September 2012

So the September Glossybox arrived yesterday and it is about Rising Stars. 

The box was designed by Maggie Li and I have to say that I absolutely love the design. 

At this point I'll have to say excuse the poor photos. My camera isn't playing along nicely today and some of them are quite blurry but anyway here is the box.

and this is the full contents

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil.  This is a full size product @£15.95 for 125ml which is a quite substantially sized bottle plus a couple of sachets which are shampoo and conditioner.  The box of the Colour Glow Oil says - Radiant oil for colour-treated hair; contains a blend of linseed oil and cranberry oil.  Instantly absorbed for a lightweight feel and finish, it leaves colour-treated hair feeling nourished and protected and looking smooth and glossy.  I have to say I'm really looking forward to trying this because my hair is heavily coloured and bleached and goes like straw at times. It smells gorgeous.  I'll be reporting back on how these go.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum and 5 Minute Facial.  2 sachets of each.  It looks as if that is how they are sold as 10 sachets of the serum are £29 so I have £5.80 worth of sample and 10 of the 5 minute facial are £10.95 so £2.19 worth of sample. Although the info card does show a bottle of the product so maybe it is available in other ways. The blurb says - Glamoxy Snake Serum is a revolutionary product with instantly visible results, helping to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.  5 minute facial is a triple action resurfacing gommage clay mask. I am quite excited to try this and test the 'instantly visible results'.

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Complex 7ml. The full sized 50ml is £29.99 so this works out at £4.19.  It is a generous sized sample.  I know from past experience of doing market research for Olay that this is their standard sized sample. No sachets with less than one application with Olay. You get to actually test it over maybe three applications which is a good thing.  I do like their products so I'm looking forward to this one. Blurb says - Instantly helps smooth the look of fine lines. Over time, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  Another one that says instantly!

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream 7ml - Full size is 15ml and £20 so this works out around £9.30.  Blurb says - A triple action cream designed to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines.  I did actually receive this in another beauty box a few months ago and I have to say I do like it.  I'm not sure whether the claims are true about dark shadows etc but it does sink in really well and the eye area feels nicer (when I remember to use it) so I will definitely get use out of this one when my other runs out.

  Last thing was Lady Gaga Fame Fragrance 1.2ml - £25 for 30ml so this is worth about a quid. It's weird stuff as you would expect from Lady Gaga. For starters it's black but turns clear once you've had it on for a few seconds.  I definitely wouldn't recommend spraying it when you are wearing anything light coloured.  The ingredients have a bit of a twist - tears of Belladonna (erm yeah OK), Crushed heart of tiger orchidea with a black veil of incense pulverised apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops.  After reading that I have to say I was expecting a quite strong scent but in actual fact it is very delicate and if I'm totally honest it didn't last very long on me at all.

So my verdict on this box - I really like it.  I feel like I've got my moneys worth and that they are all products I will use.