This week I got my first ever box from Birchbox UK through the post and I couldn't wait to do a first impressions of the brand and concept as a whole.
Birchbox UK is £10 per month plus £2.95 p+p
This month's box theme was 'Free your mind' based all around the idea of being creative even in adulthood, they even included colouring pencils in the box so you can colour in the lid of this month's box. If you do upload a picture to their website you can win upto £500 in vouchers for Birchbox!
So onto what I thought of the box contents...
Wah London Nail art pen in lilac RRP £7
This pen comes with a nib end and a striper brush inside the polish. The colour is really vibrant and applies opaquely.
On both the nib and striper brush the grip on the bottle makes it super easy to control which is a massive bonus for me.
Next up, Lumiere d'hiver by No 4 reconstructing hair masque, RRP £36
I was a bit disappointed when I saw this as there's a lot of product in this sachet but it's in an annoying foil packet. I could probably get 3 generous uses of this on my hair (which is mid-length to long) but, when I read that this was an 'extra' from Birchbox and I saw how expensive the full size is I was actually really happy! I suppose I was just being picky really.
Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturising Sea salt spray RRP £17
This smells amazing, kind of fruity but with a freshness to it. I love the packaging and a 30ml size of this will last me a very long time. I am yet to use it but i'm sure i'll report back when I do!
Nude Progenius omega treatment oil RRP £58
This smells like a moisturiser my mum used to use, a very classic skincare scent (if that makes any sense at all). If i'm honest I probably won't use this as when I tested it on my hand it felt really greasy which was a huge warning sign for me and my oily skin! Anyway, the packaging is really nice and comes with a cute pump bottle.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish RRP £14
Look at how cutely wrapped this came! I have to admit I already own this cleanser and I love it as a makeup remover so I was really happy to have a travel size of this to take away with me on holiday this year!
The sample is a really generous 30ml and you get another muslin cloth which I am so happy to recieve as they get so dirty with mascara and things so quickly! In a nutshell the cleanser is supposed to be applied to dry skin and is a cream formula, then removed with a warm damp muslin cloth which both exfoliates the skin and removes makeup and dirt. It can be used as a daily cleanser or just as a makeup remover on all skin types.
Finally, Jelly pong pong Caribbean sun duo bronzer RRP £15.95 and Stila lip glaze in glow RRP £15
I was so happy to receive these especially the Stila lip glaze as I'd been wanting to try one for ages!
Apologies for the rubbish swatches, this bronzer duo really doesn't swatch well but when the blush is applied to the skin it is so pigmented! I was so impressed it's a deep pink/berry toned blush and it has just the right amount of shimmer. My only downside to this product is the bronzer for my skintone is just a bit too yellowy but I do think it will work great for me in the summer. Also, it really was a huge struggle to get my brush into the one side of the compact.
(bad lighting issues :( so annoying)
The lip gloss on the other hand was really nice but does have a really strange consistency. It it's sticky at all but it does have that heavy feel which makes it last hours on the lips even eating and drinking I can still feel this on my lips. The colour is just beautiful a sheer nude with gold glitter running throughout.
Overall, my thoughts on Birchbox are mixed here's the verdict...
Pro's-
Luxury samples for only £10
Themed boxes
Luxury sized samples/full sized products
Personalised products for your skin type/hair type etc.
Birchbox point's system*
Con's-
I'm still not liking the surprise element, for me it's like wasting money until I know what i'm getting
The drawstring bag inside (currently in the bin)
As a whole I really do like Birchbox and especially like their *Birchbox points system where you can review products, refer friends etc to gain points towards money off your next Birchbox which I have been using and really enjoying collating points. (sad, I know) I suppose I just can't get my head around the surprise element of these boxes but if I were to subscribe to one of these boxes fulltime I would definatley choose Birchbox. They have the best range of products and best service I have found, I also have to add that unsubscribing was fuss-free and I can still use all aspects of their site even the shop.
If you would like to try Birchbox I would appreciate very much if you could use my link which means I receive some points and a very big smile on my face:
https://www.birchbox.co.uk/invite/53ph6
Have you tried Birchbox UK?
Thanks for reading!
Lauren x
*Disclaimer I purchased this Birchbox with my own money and I am not affiliated with the brand in anyway. All opinions and pictures are my own and are 110% honest. I would appreciate very much if you would like to use any of my images from any of my posts if you could ask/notify me first.* Please don't forget to press the follow button it means alot, thank you x
