Showing posts with label Birchbox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birchbox. Show all posts

Monday 12 January 2015

Birchbox - January 2015

It's the first box of the year for Birchbox** and it kicks off being partnered with the go-to for all things health, fitness and well-being - Women's Health and a box titled 'Hit Refresh'. Inside the box are products that will help you start the year with your best foot forward! There is also a 'Hit Refresh' booklet which contains 12 bite-sized challenges with some tips. Each page has a hole which allows you to hang it up with perforated pages it allows you, should you wish you, the ability to pull out pages after completing them and I am determined to give some of them a go.




The first item in this month's box is a full size Stila Lip Glaze worth £15, in the shade  Glimmer which is a rosy pink shade to describe it.  As a twist up lip gloss which has a built in brush, it is quite a handy little item to have in your make up bag for a quick touch of gloss.

Stila Lip Glaze

The next item is a 20ml sample tube of the Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner worth around £1.50. I have only ever tried the Elasticizer from Philip Kingsley, so I am looking forward to giving this a go.  This conditioner claims to transform lifeless locks and help seal flyaways due to the lustrous, wheat-protein conditioner.
Philip Kingsley Conditioner

The next product is a 5ml tube of HealGel Intensive worth £3.75.  I am a huge fan of HealGel products and have used this before which I have reviewed HERE.  As you only need a teeny amount at any one time to use it, this tube will last a good few weeks and it is perfect for that overnight or weekend away bag.

HealGel Intensive

REN is one of my favourite brands and one I have been using for well over a year now, so I am always pleased to see a product from them in any box I get.  Within this box I have the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask which I have used once or twice from a smaller sample sized tube, so I am glad to see a 10ml version, which will at least give me 5-6 masks.  It is described as being a fast-working exfoliating treatment which improves texture, tone and combats congestion.  Has a value of around £6

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

The next product is one I haven't heard of before from Activbod and the product is called a Cooling Finish Lotion. It is a 20ml tube and is said to re-energise after a work-out as it is an invigorating menthol packed lotion. You use it by massaging it into clean skin and then you get a cool tingle. So I tried it out and there is most definitely a tingling sensation there.  This tube has a value of around £2.50

ActivBod Cooling Finish Lotion

The final two products in this box are a Green Matcha Tea from Embrace which is apparently 100% natural with 10 times the antioxidents of a regular green tea.  You are told to take half a teaspoon and whisk it into hot water or cold water and you can also add it to smoothies and juices too.  On its own it is worth 99p

Embrace Green Tea Matcha

Then we have a Birchbox Pilates Band. It is said to tone, increase strength and improve muscle endurance with its resistance. So if anyone has a use for this and would like it, please do let me know as it isn't something I would use, but I did like to see it included because it does at least fit with the theme of the box. It also has a value of £7.99
Birchbox Pilates Band


So overall, I am really impressed with this month's Birchbox and I I really liked the theme, which for January is really appropriate. The box is worth around £37 which is great value for money when it costs just £12.95**.
Did you get a Birchbox this month?

Thursday 6 November 2014

November Birchbox Cosy at Home

Novembers Birchbox** has arrived and oh my it is a good one!  Cosy at Home November 2014 is about nights in, wrapping up and staying warm at home.  With that in mind, the amazing team behind Birchbox have put together an edit of products which have been specially chosen for a pamper night in!

 
This month there are five different products to try, one of which is full sized and one I cannot wait to try.

Dr Jart+ Water-Act Skin Mist

Dr Jart+ is a brand most people will associate with BB cream, I know I do and that is where my experience starts and ends.  In this months box there is this Water-Act Skin Mist which is designed to boost skin's internal moisture levels with an anti-oxident infused facial spritz.  You use it after cleansing by gently spritzing your face from a distance of 20-30cm with your eyes closed.  This has an RRP £18.

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash follows and this is a 20ml sample and it smells absolutely amazing.  Said to be a nutrient loaded moisturising in-shower wash which is infused with sandalwood, davana and neroli.

Lipglam Lip Balm

Lipglam Natural Lanolin Lip Balm is next and this is a fats actin balm that delivers moisture for up to 8 hours - ooh watch out Elizabeth Arden!! It uses 100% natural ingredients and when on the lips it is so soft and smooth you don't know it is there and it makes a greast base before applying your lipstick!


Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask comes in these two cute little  tubs and is designed tog rejuvenate and protect your hair.  It combines argan oil, honey, amber and crush pearls (wow) and is designed to be used after shampooing by simply applying it to the ends of your hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes if you have oily hair and up to 20 if you have dry hair.  I am definitely looking forward to trying this, it smells divine and is a lovely pastel pink colour.  


Lord and Berry Mini Bronzer

Lord and Berry Mini Bronzer is the last item in the box and in shade Sunny it looks like this, almost like an eye shadow for a palette. Said to be super fine and matte, this bronzer helps to create a healthly glow for a burst of radiance.

If all of that wasn't enough, there is one little treat in the box by way of chocolate - yippee and it is a Montezuma Mini bar, an indulgent treat of creamy milk chocolate made from the finest organic cocoa beans and it tastes absolutely amazing!

Montezuma Chocolate


So that is October's Birchbox, isn't it fantastic?  Did you get your Birchbox this month?

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Birchbox Supporting CoppaFeel!

I have just received the October box for Birchbox and it is absolutely fantastic again this month! Supporting CoppaFeel!, whom if you haven't read the few posts ive done about them here is a little background to them. 

CoppaFeel! aims to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that people know that signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what their boobs look and feel like normally, check their boobs regularly throughout their lifetime and have the confidence to seek medical referral when they detect abnormalities. Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! strives for a country where no one dies of breast cancer because of late detection or misdiagnosis. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on voluntary donations.  As October is Breast Cancer awareness month, this is such a good idea of Birchbox to do a collaboration.





Inside the box this time as you can see, there is this amazing pink make-up bag which is the perfect size for fitting everything within the box in it! The idea behind the products is to focus inward on health and wellbeing with the products to help you 'work it' and to get motivated to tackle whatever your day brings.  So inside my box there is:

KMS California Free Shape Hot flex Creme - Apply it to towel dried hair and comb through before drying.  It is said to smooth curls, waves and/or frizz. This is a 50ml sample.

Cindy Crawford Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum - A Sumptuous radiance-enhancing anti-ageing serum to be used in the morning before your moisturiser or anytime for an instant pick-me-up.  This is an 8ml sample.

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm - This is a nourshing cleanser which uses oatmeal powder to exfoliate dry and dead skincells. Perfect for normal-dry skin but also balances oily skin too.  This is a 40ml sample.

Shaveworks The Cool Fix - Said to be a genius cooling gel lotion that treats ingrown hairs, razor bumps and redness after hair removal.  Can be used morning and evening until the redness fades.  This is a 29ml sample.

Pixie by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm - I have Ripe Raspberry and when used on the lips it does leave a hint of colour which you can work up to a much bolder colour should you wish.  Using Shea butter, this lip balm leaves your lips feeling soft and smooth.

The final item is the Birchbox Lipstick pen which I love, it is such a brilliant extra item to have and one that will appeal to most beauty bloggers.  

Finally the most important aspect of this box is Copping a Feel, knowing your Boobs can save your life!  Inside the box on the pink card is a little and it features some really useful and important information and this is it:


I hope everyone who got this box or who is reading this post looks at the instructions on this card and does CoppaFeel!  It is so important and as someone who has three friends at various stages with the disease, I can't tell you enough how important it is to check!

What do you think to this months Birchbox?

Monday 15 September 2014

Birchbox Happy Days September 2014

Birchbox is a popular favourite with bloggers and from the two boxes that I have had, I can see why. This month is themed 'Happy Days' and apparently September is the month that is filled with nostalgia. The start of the back-to-school season has us reminiscing about the happiest days of our lives and so on. Inside this box I am told I will find products that will help me look my best during my happiest days!




The first item in my box is a 4ml glass vial of the Agave Healing Oil Treatment. This oil claims to smooth and transform your hair, build resiliency and boost shine and colour. The Agave Oil is also free from parabens and phthalates and is also cruelty free. To use the oil the directions state that you should warm a 5p sized amount between the palms and smooth through damp hair evenly from mid-lengths to ends. Agave is a brand I have never heard of, but I am a big fan of hair oils and am looking forward to giving this a go. This sample is worth around £1



The next item is a 5ml sample of the ModelCo Power Lash Black Mascara. As an Australian brand, I don't really know that much about ModelCo so I am looking forward to giving this a try. This mascara claims to give full gorgeous luxurious lashes, with great length. The wand is said to be a unique shape to capture those tiny lashes for maximum impact and minimal effort. This sample is worth £13.



Next up a 3ml sample of the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream from their Skincare range. The cream itself is a very light caramel shade, which includes cocoa extra to help boost microcirculation and fade dark under the eye circles. The inclusion of a daily peptide complex works to preserve the elasticity of the delicate under the eye area, whilst skin is hydrated and protected from free radicals! Whoa! This sample is worth £1.80.



The next item I received is a 20ml jar of the Premae Mild Dermabrasion Face and Body Scrub. A scrub which contains olive granules to smooth the skin is said to be gentle enough to be used on both the face and body whilst buffing away dead skin cells, blemishes and trapped dirt. It cream itself has a really nice consistency, imagine your favourite cream with added bits into it, once on the skin it feels really soft until your begin the process of massaging the skin, it is then that the exfoliating particles come into being and whilst you most definitely know they are there, they are still gentle on the skin. This sample is worth around £5.



The last beauty item in this month's box is a very small sample of the Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper in shade Rio. I am a big fan of Jane Iredale and I have featured the products on my blog before. This lip plumper contains Spearmint and peppermint oils, in combination with ginger root extract, gently stimulate circulation making lips fuller, faster. Shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera soften and hydrate and the essential oils of lemon and tangerine help to exfoliate dead skin cells. I love the size of this lipstick, it is something that would be perfect if you were unsure whether or not the colur you wanted was right, but rather than pay out for a full sized version, you have a sample sized to play with. That said, this shade is a little too much on the brown side for me. This sample is worth around £3.




This month we received  two Lifestyle Extras; the first item is a Birchbox Happy Days Photo Clip and the second item is a packet of Urban Fruit Perfect Mango Pieces. I really like the photo clip, it is something a little bit different, it fits with the theme of the box and I quite like the green coloured cube.  The fruit snack is also something as an addition, again it is a little bit different and is something I wanted to try, and by the time you read this, I have! 

If you were interested in purchasing any of this month's samples in the full size, you can do so through the Birchbox shop and if you have never subscribed to Birchbox and would love to do so, I have a £5 off offer for you, just use the code BBX5QUEEN - Enjoy!


Are you a subscriber to Birchbox?

Sunday 14 September 2014

Beauty Boxes - Do you need them?


This coming week on my blog I am going to devote each day to a different Beauty Box. Why? Well they are a big part of the bloggers blogging life for me and they take me through a roller coaster of emotions each month/quarter when they are due to arrive or when I am notified by email I need to do some product choosing. But do we need them?

When I first stated blogging, I had only ever heard of Glossybox because some non-blogging friends has subscribed and they raved about how good it was, so I hopped aboard the bandwagon and now over a year later, I still subscribe.  Now there are more and more of these boxes coming onto the market and I have tried some amazing ones, many as a one off and some as I have mentioned I subscribe too.   Glossybox, Birchbox, Look Fantastic box, Wantable Box, You Discovery, My Little Box, Latest in Beauty, Love Lula Box, SoukSouk, Memebox, Fragrance Shop Discovery Club and Love Me Beauty to name all of the ones off the top of my head.  I have no doubt there are more, so if you subscribe to others, please do let me know.  

So why are they important to me? As I have said, it is all about those roller coaster of emotions when you know that something is on its way.  The one box I always know the contents of is You Discovery Beauty box because, unlike others, you get to choose two items from a list of products.  I am glad I get to do this with one box because, let's me honest, so beauty boxes have been shockingly bad and their contents really really awful, so knowing I am getting two products I have chosen, is a relief but still exciting at the same time.  The word excitement is also quite important with these boxes.  Not knowing what you are going to get within these boxes is exciting, even if your box turns out to be a bit rubbish, it is exciting until you unwrap it, the deflation afterwards is another emotion to deal with as well, the whole screwing up your top lip to form an impression of Elvis is something I have done on more occasions than I care to remember, but I still subscribe!  

The other reason I subscribe is because I love beauty products - whether they are for skincare, hair care, body care, foot care, face care, make-up, nail polish or beauty tools to name but a few things, I love them, want them and relish trying them out.  A lot of the products I have received over time are ones I probably would never have tried, had I not been sent it in a beauty box, on the reverse, I have come across products I would never use again.  So there is always a 50/50 chance with these boxes that you like or hate the enclosures.

My own experience with the boxes I have had, has been more positive than negative.  The brands I have come across, such as Caudalie, Rodial, Dr Jart+ and one of my holy grail products Dr Lipp Nipple Balm to name some of them.  

As always, people will have their own views on whether or not here boxes are worth the money we pay for them and how much better that money could be spent and I am genuinely interested in all of those views.  This week you will be seeing reviews on Birchbox, Glossybox, You Beauty, Look Fantastic Box and a new box which I was lucky enough to attend the launch of this week and I would love to know your thoughts on each and everyone of them and if there is a box you absolutely would recommend singing up too!

As for whether or not we need them, well probably not, but they are a bit of fun, you never know what you might come across and the rollercoaster of emotions you feel whilst waiting for the impending arrival is often worth every penny!  Do you agree?


So do you subscribe to Beauty Boxes? Do you have a favourite? 
Is there one you really want to try?

Thursday 4 September 2014

NOTW - Models Own Pink Punch


Friday I headed to Birchbox's Manithon to raise money for breast cancer charity Coppafeel. CoppaFeel! aims to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that people know that signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what their boobs look and feel like normally, check their boobs regularly throughout their lifetime and have the confidence to seek medical referral when they detect abnormalities.

Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! strives for a country where no one dies of breast cancer because of late detection or misdiagnosis. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on voluntary donations.



Taking place in Soho Square, just off Oxford Street, you couldn't help but recognize the Birchbox tent. There was a lot of little stations set up with teams of lovely ladies doing manicures. Models Own were there doing the nails so my manicure this week is courtesy of them.  

I chose Pink Punch as my colour as it is something I would never normally choose and I just couldn't help but notice it standing out amongst the other shades.


After my nails had been filed, buffed, painted and then some lovely oil added to the cuticles, I was then able to go over to the Birchbox shop to select some samples which was quite exciting and a really nice touch.  There was seven different samples to choose from and I was lucky enough to be able to select four from this bunch:




And this is what I chose:





So as you can see I went for my Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream which is amazing, Benefit Porefessional as I have almost run out, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil and Lord and Berry Black Kohl Liner.  Plus there was an added extra of this Birchbox themed silk scarf in my little tote bag - how cute!

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Birchbox Away We Go - August Edition

I am in receipt of my very first Birchbox and it is the August edition, aptly titled Away We Go. Full of samples to take with you on a weekend away.  So when the little box was handed to me by my blog reading postie, I was really excited.

The box, which is slightly smaller than the Glossybox boxes contains five sample products, all of which are available in full size from the Birchbox shop.  This I quite like the idea of because you often get sample products, love them and haven;t got a clue where to get them from, now with Birchbox, you do!









The first item my eyes were drawn too was the chapter sampler, an amazing idea if ever there was one for us book lovers.  How many of, you like, own a Kindle and before buying a book which you are not too sure about, download a sample of it first? Well this is the same concept for me and having already read that sample chapter, I have ordered the book because I was gripped!  

The Proposal by Tasmina Perry features chapter one of the spellbinding and romantic novel, which spans 1950s London and present day NYC. Just 27 pages this long, this sampler did leave me wanting to know what happened next.

Next comes this very cute travel toiletry bag which is very summary looking in bright yellow and pastel blue shades and inside it has the following products:

Liaison De Parfum - Inside this envelope which boldly states "I dare you" which happens to be the name of the perfume, it is said to capture the romantic essences of life and travel. , With notes of vetiver, sandalwood, leather and amber. A 100ml of this has an RRP £105 which at that price is out of my price range, but is a scent I actually quite like.

Number 4 - Super comb Prep & Protect. This is a leave in conditioning spray to detangle and protect against heat and sun damage.  To use you simply spritz over damp hair and comb through before drying and styling. This is a sulfate-free formula sinks in quickly and has a pretty floral scent thanks to white freesia, amber, and musk.  A 200ml bottle has an rrp of £20

Supergoop - A Daily Correct SPF35 CC Cream.  A natural shade-adjusting CC cream with SPF to smooth fine line and even out skintone. This CC cream uses 100% natural ingredients and antioxidants to triple protect against UVA, UVB and infrared-A rays. Light-diffusing mica minerals soften the appearance of pores and wrinkles for a fresh, flawless complexion. I have two 3ml tubes in shade light-medium and it is just a little it too dark for my skintone, but mixed with my MAC foundation, it works perfectly well.

Wild About Beauty - Creme Eyeshadow. A paraben-free eyeshadow from Louise Redknapp and Kim Jacobs make-up range, which is said to give a long-lasting satin finish.  I have shade 03 Buster which is a dark bronze shade.  This is a full sized product with an RRP £13

Nude Progenius Omega Treatment Oil - Nude's signature treatment oil is a work of pure genius. Rich in omega 3, 6, 7 & 9, this pure and active treatment oil delivers a precisely balanced diet of vital skin nutrients.

The addictive oil redefines how we treat the skin, lighting skin from within. Created with 10 precious oils, the beautiful formula absorbs instantly, for deep and long lasting skin cell nourishment. Skin is instantly luminous and younger looking.   

Overall I am really impressed with my first box from Birchbox and I love the toiletry bag plus the book sampler, such great ideas.  For monthly subscriptions, Birchbox is £12.95 per month, including Postage and Packaging.


Are you a subscriber to Birchbox? Are you a fan?

If you have read my blog recently, you will have read that Birchbox have partnered themselves with Breast Cancer Charity CoppaFeel! which you can read all about HERE.

Saturday 9 August 2014

Birchbox Manithon for Coppafeel!

Breastcancer is an issue that is close to my heart.  My best friend from my early school days died from the disease when she was in her early 20's and three current friends have it.  Everyone it seems knows someone with the disease, has had the disease or is undergoing treatment from the disease.

CoppaFeel! aims to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that people know that signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what their boobs look and feel like normally, check their boobs regularly throughout their lifetime and have the confidence to seek medical referral when they detect abnormalities. Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! strives for a country where no one dies of breast cancer because of late detection or misdiagnosis. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on voluntary donations.




On August 29th, Birchbox are hosting a Manithon which will take place here in London's between 10am and 7.30pm. Here you will see 20 manicure stations, set up by Birchbox in partnership with Models Own nail polish, take over London’s Soho Square as a team of manicurists file and polish all day long and you can book your slot by clicking HERE.  All that is asked is a donation of at least £5 is given and that donation will go to CoppaFeel!

This exciting beauty charity event is also being supported with the sale of a Limited Edition T Shirt, designed by renowned fashion ilustrator Sally Faye Cotterill. Modeled by celebrity ambassador Sarah Jane Crawford the T is available exclusively through the Birchbox website at www.birchbox.co.uk/shop from Friday 1st August, 2014 priced at £12.00, with 100% of proceeds from the sales of the T-shirt going to CoppaFeel!  Here is the t-shirt!


You can find out more about this event by using any of the information below:

Website: www.birchbox.co.uk
www.coppafeel.org
Twitter: @BirchboxUK  and @CoppaFeelPeople
Hashtag: #BirchboxManithon

**Update** Visitors to the Birchbox CoppaFeel! Manithon later this month will all received a FREE Birchbox tote bag, with a choice of three luxury beauty samples from a choice of 10 best-selling brands, along with an exclusive Birchbox scarf and subscription offer.

Monday 4 August 2014

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum + a Birchbox Reader Bonus

I am a huge fan of Balance Me products, they work well with my skin and the Radiance Oil is the first ever oil I used on my skin which convinced me to be a little more brave and try other products.

When I was contacted by Birchbox about reviewing the Balance Me Congested Skin Serum I immediately said yes because it is a product I have had my eye on for some time now after reading some rave reviews and I also have an exclusive offer code for you, found below.

I am quite lucky that I don't suffer from breakouts, it is very rare that I do get any spots, but when I do get them, they are quite painful, lurk beneath the surface of my skin and look like beacons glowing to attract attention. 


Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Arriving in this lovely box with bright green swirls to catch your attention the 15ml bottle inside features a handy pump to help with dispensing the gel like lotion, only be careful how much pressure you put onto the dispenser or you will have enough to cover your entire body and not just your face!

The gel inside is really light in texture, so much so you hardly notice it on your skin, it is just the scent which gives it away.  As with all Balance Me products it is 99% natural with no mineral oil, silicone's or parabens.  It does however contain:

"Roman chamomile, anti-bacterial may chang, calming lavender and eucalyptus in a light, non-greasy petroleum free gel. This instant treatment benefits from super soothing and cooling organic aloe vera and spruce knot to calm as soon as a blemish begins to show without drying out the skin".

With all of those ingredients I am sure you can imagine just how it smells, the eucalyptus is not too overpowering and works wonderful alongside the lavender but for me it is the May Change which provides the most dominant scent and if it is an essential oil you are not familiar with, track some down because it is lovely and lemony, more lemongrass than than zesty.  Once on the skin the feeling is one of instant cooling and in this heat it has been very much welcomed, I did consider covering myself in it from head to foot and then standing in front of a fan rather than have a cool shower.

I have had just one spot since this product came into my hand on the underside of my chin and I decided to tackle it head on and applied the gel to the area directly before I went to bed, woke up the following morning and the spot had gone

If you would like to try some of these amazing Balance Me products, the exclusive code will give you a free Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream sample with any Balance Me purchased in the Birchbox e-shop which you can find here - birchbox.co.uk/shop simply use the code 


Be quick because it expires on August 18th!

Have you tried this product from Balance Me? 
Are there any Balance Me products you have your eye on?




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