This is now my fourth Birchbox I have received since they took over Joliebox in January. I'm sure most people are now aware of what beauty box subscriptions are by now, but if not, they are boxes which are sent out once a month and contain 4-5 beauty samples (which can sometimes contain full size products). I am only subscribed to Birchbox which is £10 + £2.95 P&P; to me, it is a perfect way to try different brands without splurging out on full sizes.
As typical with all Birchboxes, it comes in a cardboard style box with a pink drawstring bag. Also enclosed is a card explaining what is in the box and a little description of how best to use it. The little magazine that comes with the box is also bursting with little beauty tips and recommendations from beauty gurus. This months magazine is particularly stunning. I have a huge love for cherry blossom. Nothing puts me in a better mood for spring than pink cherry blossom against a blue sky.
Mirenesse - Glossy Kiss (shade 14. Perfect Kiss)
I was rather happy when I saw this product in my box. Though I haven't heard of the brand before, I am rather enjoying the whole lipstick in pencil format that a lot of brands are now jumping on board with. I haven't personally tried the Clinique Chubby Sticks, but I have tried a few of the drugstore dupes. Whilst the colour pay off is very nice (see the swatch on my hand), the colour is a slight issue for me. You won't be able to see properly in this picture, but when applied there is a strong amount of gold glitter running through the main colour. Some people may love this but to me, I prefer shiny lips to ones that look like glitter balls. My other issue is that unlike all other lipstick pencils I've tried, this one doesn't twist up. It states on the back of the card in the box that when it starts to get blunt, you can sharpen the product. I am slightly reluctant to try this however as the packaging is all plastic rather than your typical pencil material. Not a perfect product, but one I will use if I can get the hang of using it to build a sheer coverage.
Welda - Skin Food
When I read the name of this, I was slightly unsure of what to make of it. I thought maybe like Soap and Glory's Hand Food, it would just be a moisturising cream but for the body. Upon squeazing the product out of the tube, it is a rather thick white cream similar to that of Savlon. It does say on the packaging that is idea for dry skin such as elbows or feet. Personally I love the smell of this. It had a herbal and citrus scent all in one and lingers on the skin for a while after use. This will be ideal for the dry patches of skin I get on my arms and my elbows. Also, the card claims Victoria Beckham has given it the thumbs up, so surely it's gotta be good, right?!
Natio - Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
I haven't used this product as of yet but at least it's a band name I recognise! I did have a cheeky sniff and tested it on the back of my hand; Oh lordy, it smells nice. I think it's the sandalwood in it that I like. It's a really pretty silver matalic colour too. I shall definately be giving it a whirl once I've finished with the cleanser I am currently using.
Gerda Spillmann - Renaissance Age Serum
You may think this is a pretty tiny sample, but when I saw on the card that the full size product is worth £69, I can see why! Wow, that's an expensive little product. So far I have only used it once, so I can't say whether it has any life changing effects which is worth throwing all that money at. It's rather liquidy compared to my No.7 one I was previously using, which had a lightly thicker gel texture to it. Although this is anti-aging and I am only 21, it will be a godsend if it works! Sadly, I think I have an overly expressionate face and have ended up with some laughter lines and fine lines under my eyes, which my concealer enjoys creasing into. I shall continue to use it and fingers crossed it will prolong my face from turning into leather.
I am ever so slightly annoyed that I can't work out how to rotate this picture! Anyway, as you can guess from the title, it's fancy named soap. From the flowery packaging, I thought it would have a more floral scent, but to me it smells powdery (if that makes sence). It really just has a strong soap smell that they have tried to cover up. I will use it but the retro packaging is the only major perk to this product. I much prefer sweeter scents, so I think I will stick to getting bars of soap from Lush.
Birchbox - Paname Paris Mirror
I like little extras in a beauty box. The quirky little message on this also gets me geared up for the fact summer (as slow as it may be) is on it's way! The only thing that gets me about these little 'own branded' extras is the price if you just wanted to buy them off the website. This mirror for example is meant to be £7.50! A little bit steep I think for a mirror with a picture of their brand stuck on the back. Either way, it will be a nice little addition to my new hangbag, which I keep forgetting to put a mirror in.
So there we have it! Overall I am rather impressed by this months box. Generally, Birchbox (and even Joliebox) rarely leave me dissapointed. I have debated subscribing to Glossybox, but it seems a bit hit and miss as to whether it will be a good box or not.
Are you signed up to a beauty box? Or are there any new ones that you know are coming out that you want to try? I'd love to know as it seems Birchbox and Glossybox are the last ones standing.
Thank you for reading. I know it is early days, but I would be grateful if you would subscribe :)
Rachel
