Birchbox Review – June 2015



Birchbox  “Step Outside” June 2015 Edition
Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7 items

www.birchbox.co.uk

Despite the classic unpredictable British weather I’m making the most of the breaks of sunshine between the clouds and ever remaining optimistic that summer is soon coming our way! It’s that social time of the year where we all want to make the most of the great outdoors as well as wanting to look our very best and with this in mind Birchbox have collaborated with French Sole, a label that hails from London and is one of the recommended names when it comes to ballerina flats. The “Step Outside” edition gives subscribers for the first time ever the opportunity to chose the design of their box from three options all of which are adorned with beautiful artwork and inside you can expect to see a matching shoe bag making it an exceptional edition that beautifully captures the theme. Inside this month’s box you can expect to see a line up that has all areas covered with an array of great brands on board.

This month’s box has all areas covered and features skincare, hair product, make up, body product in a bumper size, a luxurious fragrance alongside a lifestyle bonus in the form of a shoe bag. 

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 emerging brands as well as throwing in a lifestyle extra 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 reward program unlike any of the other beauty subscriptions.

The content’s of the June Birchbox will vary click here to see the other products and brands featured.

1.   Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £14.00

I’ve really loved what I’ve tried so far from Beauty Protector so I’m always happy to receive something new from their collection.

This product does everything your hair could ever wish for: detangles, protects from heat and UV rays, seals the cuticle, smoothes hair, locks in color, adds shine, AND conditions all within a light-weight, non-greasy formula that smells incredible!

I’m looking forward to trying this on my next hair washing day and can see this being a saviour for those breezy beach days.

2.   REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot Sample Size 10ml. Full Size 36.00

With their impressive skin and body care range formulated without any nasties, REN are an ingredient conscious brand that bring the cleanest skincare products possible that deliver high performance and results. I’ve tried quite a few products and no date they’ve never irritated my skin or broken me out in spots.

This super-charged gel-serum claims to instantly firm, lift and plump the skin to leave it looking dramatically smoother, tighter and more youthful. It contains a liquid matrix of Hyaluronans that supercharges the skin with firming moisture and encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time.

3.   Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Body Lotion – Travel Size 1ooml. Full Size RRP £20.00

Whilst you need somewhat of a sense of humour to really appreciate this brand their signature fragrances are a huge part of the Cowshed experience so if you like to coordinate scents to match your mood these are great!

All subscribers can expect to see a bumper sized product from either Cowshed or Balance Me this month.

The Gorgeous Cow body lotion is formulated with Madagascan Rose and Indian Palmorosa oils to evoke a happy and blissful mood, while French Lavender and Linden Blossom soothe and balance the mind and is typically the kind of fragrance I go for so that’s a bonus.

The lotion itself is very thick and rich but I really like the texture that feels rather luxurious compared to an everyday-use product. Living up to it’s name, the scent is extremely sweet which some may find overpowering but I personally love it and would probably use this as a pampering treat as opposed to daily use.

4. Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm – Full Size 4g RRP £8.00

This is a repeat from the October Birchbox and whilst I don’t personally have an issue seeing it again I would of liked to have received a different shade but nevertheless I love this balm so wasn’t too unhappy to see it.

This pretty lip balm is packed with lip loving ingredients such as shea butter and Vitamin E and boasts a soothing and creamy formula that feels hydrating and very comfortable on the lips. I received the shade Ripe Rasberry which is a sheer vibrant pink shade and surprisingly it’s quite pigmented and gives a great pop of colour, just what you need for this time of the year.

5.   Penhaligon’s Iris Prima – Sample Vial 1.5ml. Full Size RRP £85.00

I don’t usually like to see perfume samples inside beauty boxes unless they’re an extra but I do make an exception when it comes to Birchbox as I’ve gone on to buy quite a few fragrances that have been featured inside their boxes.

Developed in collaboration with, and inspired by, the English National Ballet the Penhaligons Iris Prima smells a little similar to Chanel No.5 but it’s much more subtler making it easy to wear.

The scent at first is sharp and uplifting opening that really awakens the senses, it eventually turns into a soft powdery sensual smell of vanilla and leather. I personally would find a little strong for day use but it’s elegant scent will seamlessly blend into evenings out or special occasions.

6.   STYLondon Temporary Metallic Tattoos – 1 Pack RRP £7.99

Temporary tattoos are certainly a blast from the past but recently they’ve made a popular comeback but in a much more sophisticated style. These gold and silver transfers appear to be all the rage at the moment and on-trend, perfect for festivals and holidays. Whilst they look absolutely stunning I’m still in two minds about these (my age is showing!)

7.   Birchbox x French Sole Shoe Bag – Lifestyle Bonus

Keeping to the theme you can expect to see a matching shoe bag adorned in the same print as your chosen box, it’s a great addition inside this month’s box ideal for storing your favourite shoes at home or on your travels.

My Verdict

The Step Outside Birchbox in collaboration with French Sole is adorned with so much prettiness which immediately gives off a summer vibe reminding me of all things nautical and sunny days spent with friends and family. I think all of the designs are equally beautiful making them ideal for keepsakes, all of which are inspired by French Sole’s SS15 collection. In addition to the box it was great to see a shoe bag in the same design, perfect for storing and protecting your favourite pair of shoes at home or if you’re planning to go away.

There’s a great balance of beauty this month with lots of goodies on board that are perfect for this social time of the year where we all want to be looking our very best. The box boasts seven items all of which are travel ready, perfect for those of you who have summer holidays or festivals coming up. I think everything’s very practical and usable this month although I’m still in two minds about the tattoo but undoubtedly they are very pretty!

In comparison to last year Birchbox have really upped their game this year and have brought us some great collaborations and brand discoveries within curations that are beautifully composed, it’s almost as if it’s been given a new lease of life! There ideas and creativity continue to wow me and without fail there’s always something inside that urges me to buy the full sized product from their shop!

If you like trying out products from well-known, loved and emerging brands, Birchbox is definitely great for this.

Birchbox will be selling the French Sole pumps that inspired their box and shoe bag designs in a flash sale on the 16th June – so keep your eyes peeled to be able to grab yourself a bargain.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Join today and get the Step Outside Birchbox for only £7.95 by entering my exclusive code WHICHBOX5 or you can get a FREE Beauty Blender + Solid Cleanser (worth £20.00) using the code WBB615 – offers end on the 30th June

www.birchbox.co.uk

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