*Birchbox ‘For the Dreamers’ – May edition
Monthly subscription: £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
www.birchbox.co.uk
I’ve been eagerly waiting for the *May “For the Dreamers” Birchbox to arrive and as well as the usual excitement of getting some awesome new products to try, this months edit has a little innovative twist in the form of the metallic coating on the lid which you’ll need to scratch away to unveil the hidden design – pretty AH-mazing right and the first of its kind in beauty box land! The excitement doesn’t end there either as two lucky subscribers have a chance of winning a getaway in partnership with Destinology so don’t forget to check your boxes ladies and make sure you have that lucky coin to hand! Promising from the outset with it’s oh so pretty exterior as well as the loveable line up that covers all areas, it certainly doesn’t fall short and once again showcases Spectrum Collections, a brand that we all fell in love with when it featured in February so I’m delighted to see them on board again. As well as the guaranteed make up sponge my box also featured skincare, make up, a hair treat and a multi-purpose hero.
Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 5 luxe beauty treats from well-known brands and emerging brands and occasionally you may also receive a lifestyle item too. Birchbox is also a full-blown beauty destination where you can purchase all the brands which have been featured in their boxes with an exceptional and very generous reward program.
1. Caudalie Moisturising Sorbet – Sample Size 10ml. Full Size 30ml RRP £23.00
Following my success with Caudalie’s S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum I was excited to see their Moistursing Sorbet inside my box this month, doesn’t it just shout out all things summer!
With a gel-creme-mousse texture it’s a very lightweight, yet also very hydrating too, something I wasn’t expecting at all. It also has the signature Caudalie “white grape” scent which isn’t too overpowering and is rather pleasant for this time of the year. It absorbs quickly and feels light as air leaving the skin super soft without any greasy residue and I think it’s a great choice for this months box.
2. Spectrum Collections Unicorn Tears Wonder Sponge – Full Size RRP £4.99
I’m sure I’m not the only one who was excited to see the return of Spectrum Collections again and this month all subscribers can expect to see the Unicorn Tears Wonder Sponge – what a cute name!
This latex-free tool has been specially created with a rounded edge and a pointed tip, making it the ultimate multi-purpose tool for applying your favourite cream, mineral, and liquid products. I’m really excited to try another version of a beauty blender so it will be interesting to see how this performs but I have high hopes as the quality of their products are amazing.
3. Rituals Tao Wai Wang Mild Exfoliating Body Scrub – Travel Size 70ml. Full Size £19.50
Everything from the Rituals collection just exudes luxury and zen so I’m always happy to discover something new from them.
Containing a combination of a rich cream base and ultrafine Chinese Bamboo, the Tao Wai Wang Mild Exfoliating Body scrub gently and effectively removes dead skin cells, while boosting circulation so that the skin looks and feels smooth, fresh, invigorated and hydrates without leaving the skin feeling greasy.
It’s also enriched with calming White Lotus and nourishing Yi Yi Ren extract that effortlessly aids a peaceful night and a fresh start to the morning thanks to its soothing scent.
4. Philip Kingsley PK Polishing Balm – Sample Size 20ml. Full Size RRP £18.50
If there is one haircare brand that I’ve probably sampled more than any other, its got to be Philip Kingsley. They’re featured quite often everywhere but the Polishing Balm is a completely new find so yay!
This frizz-fighting formula works to condition, protect and style hair and utilises lightweight, innovative Silicones, a unique formula that tames unruly hair and improves manageability, whilst a nourishing blend of Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin A enhances radiance for a salon-style finish.
5. theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen – Sample Size 1.2ml. Full Size RRP £10.00
Stainiac is a gel-based lip and cheek stain that gives you a hint of colour with the goodness of Aloe Vera too. Being gel-based, it feels very soft on the skin but as with all stain type products it dries super-fast so you need to expedite your speed to ensure it’s blended in especially on the cheeks. While Beauty Queen looks shockingly vibrant in the tube it’s a little more subtle once applied but it’s not forgiving on dry lips so I would recommend exfoliating your lips first.
I have yet to be disappointed by a product I’ve tried from theBalm and really wanted to love this but I’m just not a fan of stain type products.
6. Beauty Extra: Vita Coco Coconut Oil – Sample Size 5ml. Full Size RRP £9.99
This ancient ingredient has been known for its versatility for years especially in the Asian culture, I remember my grandmother smothering the stuff on my hair to promote luscious locks and control my unruly hair at least once a week!
Cold pressed from Organic coconuts, 100% raw and extra virgin, this multitasker isn’t just for cooking, it can also be used to hydrate your skin, fight frizz, make up removal – the list is endless!
My Verdict
When it comes to well thought out themes and new beauty discoveries from brands we all love and know as well as those hidden gems that are lesser known, Birchbox wins hands down even more so this month as the line up was pretty solid all-round plus I love what they’ve done with the box, a first of its kind not forgetting the two holidays up for grabs courtesy of Destinology. With one full sized product and the remainder being travel sized I think they’ve covered a fantastic area of beauty and there’s definitely a quite a few products that I’m delighted to welcome to my collection. All in all, I’d say it’s another successful box and one you’ll want to get your hands on!
If you like trying out products from well-known, loved and emerging brands then Birchbox is definitely great for this. The subscription itself is affordable and the monthly rotation of treats introduces you to brands and products you might not have otherwise found, all of which can be purchased within their online shop. Whilst Birchbox send out smaller samples with 1-2 full sized items, in my opinion they are much more consistent and are more likely to send you something that you feel the need to purchase.
June Sneak Peek: There’s two bright and beautiful box designs coming next month. Will you receive pineapples or palm trees!
The May Birchbox is available now via www.birchbox.co.uk
*PR Sample