BirchBox / February 2013

Meh! 

That's all I can comment on this month box, in fact I have already cancelled the subscription.

Anyway, here is what I received:

Gerda Spillmann Bio Fond Cream Foundation in 03 Bijou: this is a cream foundation that transform into powder. I'm not a fan of this type of base (I find them too thick and I never go for full coverage) and the colour is too dark for me so I'm just gonna pass it to somebody else.  

The wee compact is cute, tho.

Korres Guava Shower Gel: my favourite product of the box. I'm a big fan of the brand and it smells simple divine. I will save it for travelling - it's the perfect size and I will probably check out other products from the same line.

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump N'Thick Leave-In Thickening Mist: you spray this product on towel-dried hair and it should help to add volume and texture when styling. I'm not a great fan of leave-in products but looking forward to give it a go - my hair are definitely on the flat side... I'm hoping the finish is not to sticky.

Vichy Thermal Spa Water (Limited Edition): yeah, this is definitely useful but not something I can get excited about - even with the cute print! I've used the Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray before and I'm guessing this is pretty similar; I like to use it when I'm in Italy, I always have a bottle in my bag to freshen up during the day so I will just save it for my next trip home.

EBoost Natural Energy Booster: a multi-vitamin to give you energy during the day. I like little non-beauty related extras but let's be honest... this is worth a pound and it's not like you're going to see a difference with 1 sachet! 

BirchBox Eyelash Curler: this is a nice extra touch but personally, I'm pretty loyal to my Shu Uemura so I don't really need it. 

So to summarize, it's not an awful box but I've come to the conclusion that these boxes are just not for me (anymore). Apart from these 2 boxes, I had cancel my subscriptions last year and not missed them.

It just comes down to what you want/expect from a beauty box and personally, I'd like to receive items  from more known, recognizable brands; I'm happy with sample sizes but I don't really care for obscure names that I wouldn't normally purchase or even difficult to find on the high street.

And talking about boxes: have you checked the US GlossyBox The Man Repeller box? Come on, there's no comparison - we are talking tarte, opi, estee lauder, fresh... 

I also recently heard about the PopSugar Must Have Box - it's not only beauty related and $35 but again looks really exciting!

Definitely recommend to goggle them if you're curious... but be prepared for pure envy... and once again, the Uk market has let me down... :(

BirchBox / January 2013

When I read that JolieBox had become BirchBox, I decided to re-subscribe!

The box was delivered by Yodel this morning - actually I don't have much faith in them as they always seem to f**k up our deliveries but no complaints this time.

The box itself looks like is made from recycled cardboard and it comes in a pink packaging, which wasn't sealed. The products are inside a pink string bag like JolieBox used to do and a small magazine.

Here is the content of my box:

Fresh Sugar Rose' Lip Treatment - this product alone made the box for me. Been wanting to try the Fresh Sugar lip balms for a while... so very excited to see it! 

The wee sample size tube is really cute too. :)

Kms California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry - this is a dual-phase spray that acts as a detangler and should help hair dry faster. I will definitely try it out and see if it makes any difference time-wise... fingers crossed.

Taaj Hand Cream - another lovely and useful product; unfortunately, I didn't have much luck with the Taaj cleanser because it stung my eyes but looking forward to try something else from this brand.

Wei White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend - another brand that I have never tried but was on my wishlist. I received the eye cream - and happy about it - with moisturizing and firming properties. Decent sample size.

Teapigs Chamomile Tea - I really like chamomile tea so I'm happy! :)

All in all, I'm pleased with this box, although not blown away - the Fresh Sugar lip balm definitely had a lot to do with that... I think I will get another box and then I'll take it from there.

I also noticed people getting an 'extra beauty' item - anybody else's missing I Coloniali sample?

 x

State Side Swap - part 1

Few weeks ago, the lovely Betzy - from Betzy's Makeup - asked me if I'd fancy a swap with her... so, I jumped at the chance of getting some goodies from the USA.

My parcel arrived few days ago and ever since I haven't stopped playing with my new make-up.

(I'm gonna split the Haul into 2 posts as it's very picture heavy, sorry!)

First of all, the box: Betzy used a BirchBox to send me all the items and I'm sooo gonna keep it!!! :)

I'm, also, loving the floral tape - too cute!

Ta-Da!!!

I asked for brands that I can't find in Uk or items that are yet to be released in Uk (see Revlon Chubby Stick - exciting!!!) - and luckily, loving everything so far.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 001 Honey

This is the one that I was - mostly - looking forward to try out!

I adore the Clinique Chubby Sticks and these look like exact dupes but cheaper... these really just came out in the States and it's really hard to find swatches online so I just picked the colour which looked most unusual but still wearable. 

The gamble paid off because I'm so pleased with my choice; I'm not really sure how to describe this colour so I'll just let the swatch do the talk. ;)

Believe me, It's so so pretty!

Maybelline Bouncy Dream Bouncy Blush in 60 Coffee Cake

I, actually, like the bouncy consistency - although you end up wasting product. I think it's easy to work with and easily build-able.

I picked this colour because I have too many pink blushes already - It's, actually, less orange than in the picture and very flattering on the skin.

Wet n Wild ColorIcon Eyeshadow Trio in Knock On Wood
I saw so many youtube videos where people rave about these eyeshadows... I chose this trio because pink and purple are my most used eye colours.
These are lovely - very buttery and a joy to work with. They have a great pigment payoff (even the lighter shade) and blend very well. I'd, definitely, love to try some more of these.

Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blusher in Pearlescent Pink
Probably, my least favourite of the lot; as I said above, I have loads of pink blushes already so nothing particularly exciting about this product.
Still, lovely quality powder and I will, definitely, use it - safe blush choice!

Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Burgundy Frost
Another WnW item - hehe :)
Pretty, deep red shade with a bit of shimmer in it - can't go wrong with a red manicure and this colour will work well for a pedicure, too.
It lasted well for 4 days straight and dried super fast. I think, for the price, you get a good deal here.

... part 2 to follow...

GlossyBox - October Edition

umm, kudos on the extra bonus item and beauty bag but 3 products of the same brand is not cool! :(

I'm curious to see what everybody else's got now...

What are your thoughts?

xx

Birthday BeautyBox Delivery for me! :)

I've just received my first FeelUnique beauty box.

This is my first one and I'm very pleased... what do you think? 

If you are interested in subscribing, just visit FeelUnique.com - you can also check out the amazing brands they sell - and you're likely to receive! :)