Sunday 3 November 2013

Birchbox uk: October 2013 ♡

Hi everyone! This will be the last beauty box post for October - the #BBXBUZZ Birchbox! This box claims to celebrate the 'award-winning, celeb-favourite and all-round buzzy samples' and it really didn't disappoint! I was extremely impressed and this might be my favourite beauty box i've received yet.

This beauty subscription box costs £10 + £2.95 and you can sign up for the UK one here! Both of us will receive £5 in points to use in their online store if you use this link!

This box was the latest to be dispatched this month compared to Glossybox + Love Me Beauty but the delivery was good so it was okay! Instead of a magazine Birchbox issued little information cards which i think is better for the environment. I received a generous seven products this month (5 main products + lifestyle extra + beauty extra)!! They were all super-quality samples as well!
Birchbox uk: October 2013
Box value: £27.97

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Full size: 50ml for £28.00
Sample size: 14.7ml
Sample value: £8.24

"The perfect antidote to seeing your face slowly slide off as the day progresses, this formulation creates an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to the elements, so your make-up literally sits and stays where it should be. Apply before foundation and you’ll be set for the day. We love its lightweight creamy gel consistency."

A little bit embarrassing to admit but i could not for the life of me get the lid off this thing so i had to cut off the other end + wasted a bit of the product. ;___; Other than that this product works great, absorbs quickly + leaves your face super-soft. It has a more liquid-gel type consistency than other primers i've tried so it'll be good for dry + winter-worn skin.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant
Full size: 60g for £67.00
Sample size: 7.5g
Sample value: £8.38

"Imitating the professional microdermabrasion treatment, this skin exfoliant promises similar brightening and smoothing effects. Formulated with pharmaceutical-grade crystals and lactic acid, skin cells are polished and swept away to soften the skin’s texture. Watch as the appearance of fine lines, acne marks and skin discolorations diminish."

I've seen a lot of hype about this product + it really showed amazing results! It only takes 1-2 minutes every few days to use - much more convenient than going for a time-consuming treatment! It left my skin softer than it has ever been before - so baby soft + smooth! I've watched my skin clear up of most of my breakout spots + scars too! Also smells like citrus lemon - yummy!

KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray
Full size: 250ml for £15.00
Sample size: 75ml
Sample value: £4.50

"Choosing the KMS California product that’s right for you is easy. With the ‘Hair Play’ collection, the focus is on free form texture and pliability with the Makeover Spray's dry cleansing solution. Absorbing oil and bulking up limp or day-old styles this is your go-to product for styling between shampoos. It’s the ultimate split-second style refresher."

I've only ever tried Batiste dry shampoo spray which always makes me paranoid about having white streaks left in my hair so i was excited to find out this product hardly leaves any traces at all! It refreshes the hair and absorbs the oil while giving volume + texture in seconds. It doesn't smell as nice as Batiste but the performance definitely makes up for it!

theBalm Cosmetics Staniac in Beauty Queen
Full size: 8.5g for £10.00
Sample size: 1.2ml
Sample value: £1.41

"You wouldn't know it from the state of our make-up drawer, but we’re actually beauty minimalists. Our motto: why use two products when you can get the same effect with one? This two-in-one lip and cheek stain gives us a natural, understated flush and helps us get out the door faster! The gel formula looks dark in the tube but delivers a sheer tint. The tinted gel leaves a lasting stain on lips and cheeks. Since it’s water-based, it has a longer setting time than most quick-dry stains, which means it won’t leave any unsightly streaks behind as long as you take care to blend well. Use a single coat for a subtle look or layer it on for a more visible (yet still discreet) hue."

After receiving a really terrible lip-blush stain from the October Glossybox i wasn't that thrilled to see this stain at first. However, this one gave amazing results! It wasn't at all streaky + it didn't accentuate cracks in the lips either, giving a perfect just-bitten look. 

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
Full size: 15ml for £11.50
Sample size: 3ml
Sample value: £2.30


"Discover the secret passed from nursing mothers to make-up artists. Originally created for new mothers facing sore nipples from breastfeeding, Dr. Lipp’s ultra hydrating, healing formula later gained a rep as the ultimate lip gloss, primer and multipurpose balm among savvy make-up artists."

Hehe, nipple balm for lips?! Some people got this balm in last month's Glossybox so i guess they're going on a little marketing round. The balm is multi-purpose so it can be used on lips, elbows, cracked heels... and of course, nipples! It has an extremely thick consistency that protects lips from the elements + helps to repair dry, sore and cracked lips. My lips feel moisturised for hours after using this.

The Chia Co. Chia Shots
Full size: 10x8g for £4.79
Sample size: 1x8g
Sample value: £0.48


"It’s not always easy, but it’s so important to use ingredients that benefit your health while cooking - it shows both inside and out. The humble chia seed might not look like much, but it’s the richest plant-based source of omega 3, dietary fibre and protein. They are beloved by celebs including Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow."

I do try to look after my health but i have a mega-sweet tooth + end up eating too many sweets. ;___; The chia shots are an easy way to get essential nutrients of omega 3, dietary fibre and protein. I sprinkled these over my ravioli sauce. They didn't taste of much but they added a little crunch. I would buy these but they are very expensive if you need to take one a day! These would be more helpful for vegetarians to get these nutrients in the diet.

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
Full size: 118ml for £34.90
Sample size: 3x3ml
Sample value: £2.66


"A cult skincare must-have, Egyptian Magic’s 20 year success story speaks for itself. Made of honey, beeswax, olive oil, Royal Jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis, it’s these six ingredients and nothing else that combine to create a super moisturising all-purpose skin cream. You won’t find any additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens."

The marketing seemed a little gimmicky to me so i wasn't expecting much from the cream. However, it was indeed the most moisturing cream i've ever tried! It was super-pleasant to use + the feeling it gives your skin afterwards is comforting. One 3ml sachet was enough to cover my whole body (although i am very small >w<). I swear it smells like delicious ramen noodles but my boyfriend doesn't think so, hehe.

What do you think of the October Birchbox?

Lots of love,

ami ♡ 

No comments:

Post a Comment