Birchbox Review – August 2014

Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7 items
www.birchbox.co.uk

The August 2014 Birchbox has arrived and this month’s theme is Away We Go celebrating everything that makes summer getaways magical whether you’re counting down to a fun-packed fortnight away from home or day-tripping your weekends away.

Birchbox is a  monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of  4-5 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known brands and new brands. They also include a lifestyle extra within their box too. Birchbox also have an online shop where you can purchase all the brands which have been featured in their boxes. Their reward program really is something to shout about too.

This month’s box shout’s out Summer holidays and contains a selection of must-have travel sized products whether it being a day trip, weekend away or a getaway abroad. The box mainly consisted of skincare, make up, hair product, a perfume sample and a lifestyle extra this month in the form of a book which has an extract of one chapter. A good variety this month with the inclusion of an exclusive Birchbox toiletries bag for all your summer essentials.

The content’s of the August’s Birchbox contents will vary. To see what you may receive please click here

You can get your first Birchbox for only £10.00 this month – please see the offer at the end of my review.

 1. Liaison De Parfum – Sample Vial. Full Size 100ml RRP £105.00

When opening my Birchbox I didn’t expect a perfume sample to be within the pretty envelope packaging embossed with the words Resist Me. This Nana de Bary’s luxe fragrance captures the romantic essences of life and travel.

Liaison De Parfum is a new line within Nana De Bary’s collection and is composed of four distinctive scents, and has been almost five years in the making, Each Parfum is de Bary’s homage to one of the four seasons or stages of a life well-lived. Made in France using traditional methods of classic perfumery.

I have been introduced to some wonderful scents by Birchbox and this Parfum was certainly unique and mysterious. I picked up the Sandalwood tones straight away and in my opinion overpowers the remainder of the other notes which include leather, cedar, Laban, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, immortelle, patchouli, iris, geranium and musk. This soothing, aromatic scent brings back some great memories of when traveling in India,  a culture who places great significance on the fragrance and medicinal qualities of Sandalwood which is used in beauty regimes and religious rituals dating back to ancient India.

2. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect – Sample Size 30ml. Full Size RRP £20.00

It always handy to carry a leave in conditioner when away to tame tangled and unruly hair especially when you are in the sun. This spray detangles and protects  your locks against heat and sun damage. If you have thick unruly hair like mine you will welcome this product!

A good sized travel product which has a spray nozzle for easy application and can be spritzed over damp hair before drying and styling.

3. Supergoop Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream – Sample Size 3ml. Full Size RRP £32.00

This CC cream which is an American brand is a silky, all-in-one sun defense formula which covers imperfections and corrects uneven skin while targeting the signs of aging. Potent antioxidants and triple protection from UVA, UVB and IRA rays minimize the signs of photoaging and inflammation. This velvety cream comes in three self-adjusting shades to suit a variety of skin tones and is suitable for sensitive skin types.

Supergoop strive to formulate products that you and your family actually want to put on: they are lightweight, never greasy or sticky and easily absorb into skin. Supergoop is the first and only prestige skincare brand completely dedicated to sun protection and is endorsed by Maria Sharapova as co-owner and ambassador for suncare as skincare.

This comes at the right time for me as the last couple of month’s my skin is breaking out in spots more regularly than usually and I’m always looking for products which are effective.

I received the shade light to medium which was perfect for my skin tone. This blended in very well and covered my imperfections thoroughly. I was pleasantly surprised how light weight this formula felt on my skin. It’s the ideal consistency for the warmer weather and a great alternative to using a full on foundation.

Whilst this may be a teeny sample there’s two offerings of this CC cream which is a good taster to really get a feel of the product. I think I have just discovered my CC holy grail.

4. Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer Hydroactive Microderm – Sample size 14.2g. Full Size RRP £25.00

Sarah McNamara tapped into more than 15-years of experience in the corporate beauty world to bring us the Miracle Skin Transformer. Miracle Skin Transformer creates the first-ever, one-step application products designed to instantly transform your skin. Developed with naturally-derived silicones, these formulations contain powerful protection and hydration benefits leaving you with a smooth, radiant, airbrushed finish in seconds.

This cleanser gently cleanses the skin—removing surface oils, make up, dirt and grime—its whipped texture transforms into a soothing foam when blended with water. Skin feels fresh, hydrated and smooth instantly.

Infused with the M3 Complex, a powerful botanical antioxidant blend that works hard to fight free radicals.  Ecophysalis, Manuka Honey, and Vitamins help soothe and soften, for clarified and luminous skin.

I’m not too sure whether this can be used on oily skin but the reviews I have read are positive. I may give this a go once my skin has improved.

5. Wild about Beauty Powder Eyeshadow – Full Size. RRP £13.00

Who knew that Louise Rednapp along with Kim Jacob had a make-up line? Well here is one of the powder eye shadows from their paraben free range and it’s a full sized product. Say hello to Wild About Beauty.

Wild about Beauty’s highly pigmented, satin textured powder eyeshadows are available in a selection of easy-to-wear, flattering shades that will suit all skin tones.

I received the shade Becca which is a lovely rich golden bronze tone with a bee etched in the shadow which makes it adorably pretty. This applied smoothly and the colour pay off is very good. I love that there’s a mirror enclosed inside making on the go touch up’s super easy. A great shade to achieve the perfect summer look. You can also use this wet for a more intense look.

6. Lifestyle Extra – Chapter Sampler of the The Proposal by Tasmina Perry

An unusual lifestyle extra this month exclusively for Birchbox subscribers in the form of a book which gives you a chapter sampler of The Proposal written by Tasmina Perry, a novel which is spellbinding and romantic.

At first I was bemused as to why there was only 1 chapter. However i think this is actually a great idea. You will either give up at Chapter one or go and purchase the actual book to find out what happens next! I wish more author’s would do this. A great concept and introduction to a book which comes in a handy travel size.

7. Birchbox Travel Toiletries Bag

There’s a great addition to this month’s Birchbox  – an exclusively designed Birchbox toiletries bag with a very summery theme – ice lollies!

I  adore the design and the colours which they have combined to give you the perfect sized bag for all your make-up or holiday essentials. The bag is transparent also  enabling you to see exactly what’s inside. It’s material is waterproof too.

This handy bag can easily fit into your hand bag or your beach bag making it a must-have travel accessory.

My Verdict

This month’s box shout’s out Summer holidays and contained a selection of 6 must-have travel sized products whether you’re going on a day trip, weekend away or a getaway abroad.

The box mainly consisted of Skincare, make up, a hair product, a perfume sample and a lifestyle extra this month in the form of a book which has an extract of one chapter. A good variety of products and brands have been featured this month with the inclusion of an exclusive Birchbox make up bag for all your summer essentials.

The inserts this month contained useful tips and a tick list on what not to forget when your packing which is always useful. I tend to always forget one crucial item when packing and soon panic when it’s not in the case by which point it’s too late!

I must admit when I opened the box I wasn’t immediately wowed, however now I have gone into some depth I love the contents. The box includes a great selection of essential must-haves to get you through the Summer.

I’ve discovered some great gems this month especially the Supergoop CC Cream which is a great alternative for light weight coverage in the Summer months.

**PR Sample**
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SHAPE UP YOUR NAILS & SUPPORT COPPAFEEL!

On August 29th, Birchbox are holding a very special event in Soho Square, London – the Birchbox Manithon! The manicure marathon will be co-hosted by The Xtra Factor‘s Sarah-Jane Crawford and all proceeds (minimum donation: £5) will go to CoppaFeel!
For more info and to book your slot, click here.