My first Birchbox review

After seeing posts from other bloggers on various subscription boxes, I thought it was a really great way to discover new brands that I wouldn't have necessarily known about, and more luxurious brands that I wouldn't justify buying until I tried them out.

I started researching 'subscription boxes' and was surprised to see just how many there were to choose from. Some dedicated to nail polishes, or healthy food, organic skincare and beauty products. I knew I wanted to choose beauty products, but which one!? The market has lots of companies offering various packages to choose from.

As the title would suggest I went with Birchbox. The process really was quite simple, I just logged onto their website and signed up to the 'Monthly Recurring Package'. They offer two other types of package but that would've meant committing for 6 or 12 months...although signing up to those can get you a discounted price. The Monthly package however means less commitment and you can cancel at any time - which personally works better for me.

Boxes are shipped between the 10th and 20th of every month I ordered on the 5th, I received mine today, which meant super fast delivery in 5 days including the weekend.

Anyway, onto the box. There is something really exciting about getting a package with no idea what's inside - it's like a true surprise gift every month. This is what I received in my first package...

I was so impressed, ALL of this for just £10!

1. Balance me Wonder eye cream, I've been looking for an eye cream for a while and it smells amazing, very similar to the REN eye gel scent.

2. Philip Kingsley, One More Day Dry Shampoo. This stuff smells great too, I used it this afternoon and I must say it feels pretty great.  You don't need to use a lot of product to refresh your hair.

 

3. Benefit Porefessional.  This is the product I was most excited to discover. I toyed with buying the full size product only a few days ago, although having never used it before I was pretty hesitant. I'm   looking forward to trying it out.

4. Laqa & Co Lip Lube: This is an American brand that I'd never actually heard of, its a brand new product. It's a twist up pen (a lot like the Clinique chubby stick)  and it has the feel of a lip balm with a sheer coral colour - so cute!

5. Whish body butter. Oh my goodness this stuff smells SO good. It contains Organic Aloe, Organic Raspberry Butter, and Organic Shea Butter, and mine came in the Lavender scent.

6. This one is a bit random but I was quite excited to see it as I am quite a big fan of coconut water.   However...this one really wasn't for me and the lemon tasted quite artificial.

You also get a card that gives you details of the products and their full size price.

Have you ordered a Birchbox before? what was your favourite product?

L x

A lorra' lorra' lip balms.

They are a beauty staple, here are a few of my favourites.

First up...the everyday one. For me it's really important that it's small and compact enough to fit into anywhere from my clutch bag to my jacket pocket. When you're out n' about, the wind and the sun play havoc on your lips so it's essential to choose something nourishing and with a SPF. I've chosen Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm which at £2.89 is super affordable. It feels great, isn't thick or waxy, leaves a sheen on your lips and is also available in a pot instead of a tube. Perfect for the everyday look.

Second up...for those times when your lips need some TLC, when you have sore, cracked lips that are just too much for a regular lip balm. I use Blistex Medplus Repairing Lip Balm at £2.30 - I love this stuff. It soothes and has a menthol feel to it. Plus, with its nourishing jojoba oil and cocoa butter, it feels like a pretty luxurious 'medicine'.

Third up...the cute one. Ok we're still girls at the end of the day and I dunno about you but I still can't resist the urge to buy something based on its 'cute-factor'. For this I present to you...the Smooch Operator Lip Butter Balm at £5.00. Let's face it, Soap&Glory products always smell pretty great and this is no exception. It's full of goodness with things like wild mango butter and vitamin E, plus argan and rose hip oils. And if that wasn't enough...the product is pink, need I say any more?

Next up...the one for people that like to take a natural approach - as fewer chemicals can only be a good thing. For this I've chosen Dr Organic Vitamin E Lip Balm at £3.49! They claim that 'Dr.Organic utilises only the finest natural and organic raw materials wherever possible' and to be honest I was actually really impressed with the quality of it. The product contains beeswax so it clings to the lips without feeling sticky and doesn't leave a sheen. Also, it would be perfect to use under lipstick. 

Now for ...The tinted one. All the nourishing of a lip balm with a  pop of colour, the perfect answer to chapped lips and those who feel bare without a splash of colour. I absolutely love Barry M Cor Barmy Lip Balm'.  I sometimes feel that tinted lip balms don't give enough colour or only come in a couple of shades, however this beauty is available in 4 gorgeous colours, I chose 'Rosie Lea'.

And finally, just because its cute...

Do you have a favourite?

 

L x