For my first blog post, i will be sharing my first impressions and review of the Beauty Box known as 'Birchbox' (Edition: January 2017). If you're interested in seeing what i got in this months box and what my thoughts are, then please read on..
If you don't know what a 'Birchbox' is, Birchbox is a pretty well known beauty box brand and a monthly subscription service that sends its customers a range of beauty products -usually 5- (ranging from skincare, to make up to hair etc).
My initial impression of the box was that it was really nice that the box itself was decorated in a bright fun yellow colour; probably to help combat those January blues everyone feels! I also loved how there was a note quoting 'sprinkle happiness' inside the box, as well as a check list of ways to help you smile this 2017. On a side note as well, i quite like geometric patterns, so the actual design of the box was a winner for me.
Here’s what was in my January 2017 Birchbox this month..
Lord & Berry - Conceal-It Crayon in 'Beige'
This was a little treat for subscribers from Birchbox as this was a FULL-SIZED product. I was quite pleased to see find out that the pencil is quite creamy, which made application easier. Just a tip: you can also use it to highlight features such as your brow bone and nose, it works quite well as a highlighter too. The size of it makes it the perfect size to carry around in your make up bag/ handbag. As of the moment, it currently retails at £12 but it is only in three available colours (Ivory, Caramel and Beige), so some people may find it awkward to match their skin tones.
Nuxe - 'Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer'
Nuxe Dry oil is a new product to Birchbox which i am excited to try out! This dry oil is considered to be multi-usage due to the fact that you can use it on your skin, body and hair! How crazy is that? - It advertises that it's ingredients contain six essential oils as well as vitamin E - perfect for nourishment!
Merci Handy - Hand Cream 'New Wave'
Another product in January's box that included a full sized product. I would say i'm a collector of hand creams, especially during winter where my hands are most dry. This hand cream smells amazing even before you pour it into your hands. I've been using this religiously, and it smells divine and works wonders for my hands. I've lent this to a few work friends and they all agree that it smells amazing. I would like to try the other scent and see if it is as good as this one!
Beauty Protector - Protect and Detangle Spray
Another Birchbox exclusive, this spray is an all-in-one spritz, it advertises that it conditions, de-tangles, smooths, adds shine AND protects hair all in one go.. - I am dying to try this, as i always find myself buying multiple products and just having no room on my bathroom shelf, as well as being left disappointed most of the time as most products either dry my hair out further or make it too greasy.
Rituals - Hammam Body Mud
Whilst this body mud was only a sample size, i think i got a fairly good deal, as i received a 70ml tube in my box. According to Birchbox's leaflet, the body mud is a purifying micro-scrub packed with mineral rich Rhassoul clay and eucalyptus for a deep cleansing treatment and smoothing of the skin.
Here is the Freebie Birchbox i received alongside my January box. The box itself is very cute, and there's a metallic coating on the lid that you have to scratch away to reveal the design. When i opened the box, i was slightly disappointed that it was just an old Birchbox (May 2016's box to be more specific) - however, i can't really complain because i did get it for free (by entering promo code: SMILE) - the disappointment was short lived though as the products inside made up for it..
Here is what was inside my freebie box:
Spectrum - Unicorn Tears Wonder Sponge
The first thing i noticed upon opening the cute drawstring bag, was this beauty blender, it's a pretty shade of lilac inside it's own little zip baggy.
The blender works well with cream,mineral and liquid formulas and with its shape, it makes applying them effortless.
Caudalie Moisturising Sorbet
A moisturising cream that is lightweight but also very hydrating. It has a subtle scent of 'White Grape' - it's advertised to have anti-oxidant boosting benefits to reduce redness as well as soothe skin
Rituals Tao Wai Wang Body Scrub
This scrub has a blend of Chinese bamboo and white lotus to help remove dead cells, leaving skin smooth - the smell doesn't seem to appealing to myself, but it will be interesting to see if it does what it claims.
theBalm - Stainiac 'Beauty Queen'
The stainiac (1.2ml sample size) acts as a duo - a lip and cheek stain. At first glance you can be forgiven for being a bit put off of the colour (Beauty Queen) as it looks too vibrant (particularly for your cheeks), however when applied to your lips it actually comes out quite sheer, although you have to be quick in applying it as it dries quite quickly. I'm not a fan of stain make-up as i find them to be a bit of a hit and miss with colours as well as application.
Vita Coco: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil. Every girl knows what the beauty of coconut oil is (and if you didn't, you will fall in love with it!). Coconut oil is so good for your hair (either leaving it on overnight and washing it out the next day, or smoothing it onto the ends of your hair) as it nourishes it and leaves it feeling very soft. Coconut oil is also very good for removing make up (should you ever run out of one) and for cooking as a healthy substitute - just take a look around on the internet and you'll find tons of recommendations for coconut oil.
I was personally pleased to see this in my birchbox, even if it was a small sachet (5ml), it's enough to use for the ends of my hair.
Just a tip: If you use promo code- CATEYE (you can receive a full sized ciate eyeliner with your birchbox) or Promo code: SMILE (you can receive this freebie box)