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.