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 ♡ 

Birchbox uk: September 2013 ♡

Hello lovelies! Okay, maybe I'm becoming really addicted to these beauty boxes but I decided to try the Birchbox next! It was very tempting as they were offering a lovely free postage offer for the first box with the code 'summerbonus' (not sure if the code still works!). Usually shipping costs £2.95 and like Glossybox + Love me beauty, the box itself costs £10. You can sign up to Birchbox here!

Birchbox stock all the products they offer in their boxes in their online shop. It's super-convenient, especially if you love a product you receive, but sometimes it might be a little more expensive than buying them elsewhere so it's best to shop around!

The communication + shipping from Birchbox were fantastic! All of the e-mails I sent them were replied to from a really lovely and polite staff member called Joyce + she always made me feel very re-assured. She let me know that the boxes were being dispatched a little late this month. I paid for the box on the 17th September and it got dispatched on the 23rd. It got sent by Citipost through the Royal Mail network... So basically, Royal Mail service. It arrived on the 25th and I  picked it up on the same day from the depot. One of the workers recognises me so he's always friendly + doesn't ask for id when i pick up parcels which is nice. xD

I received five beauty products (two full-size + three samples) plus one lifestyle extra. The box is really nice quality so good enough to keep for storage but the bag i got was a little cheap. Also get a little magazine and info + welcome cards.

Birchbox uk: September 2013

Box value: £30.67 + mini chocolate

Révérence de Bastien Nail Polish No. 14

Full size: 12ml for £16

Sample size: 12ml (full size)

Sample value: £16

"Both professional and fun, it’s brought to you by noted foot specialist Bastien Gonzalez, who puts his products to the test with a long line of luxury clients before giving them the seal of approval. Apply safe in the knowledge it has been dermatologically tested and is free of Camphor, Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP."

Wow, this colour is absolutely beautiful! It's the first nail product I've received from a beauty box that I've actually liked for myself. The colour is a lovely dark berry-red colour that is perfect for the autumn + matches all my new clothes! Very lovely quality. It says you should use two coats but if you're in the real rush i think you could get away with one! Just wish the brush was a little wider + it's also pretty expensive.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O

Full size: 250ml for £9.99

Sample size: 20ml

Sample value: £0.80

"This ultra mild cleansing formula by dermatological experts Bioderma is a skincare wonder that ticks all the boxes – just ask the following questions. Can you use it both morning and evening? Yes. Does it cleanse as well as remove make-up? Yes. And is it gentle on your skin? Yes – tested under ophthalmological supervision your eyes won't smart at all. It even removes waterproof make-up."

Lots of beauty bloggers have been raving about this brand + now i can see for myself what all the fuss is about! The is the perfect multi-tasker for removing make-up + cleansing so you can make space instead of buying all different products for your skincare routine. Perfect for sensitive skin + the most gentle product i've used for cleansing eye make-up. Super! Just wished they gave out bigger samples, especially as this one is worth less than a pound.

ModelCo. Party Proof Lipstick: Kitty

Full size: £15.50 for set of 3

Sample size: One lipstick

Sample value: £5.17

"One thing's for certain: Parties are for catching up with friends and cocktails – not worrying about smudged lipstick. Luckily, this hydrating, semi-matte lip colour lives up to its cheeky moniker. Whether you’re heading to a BBQ or a wedding, it’s guaranteed to stay put through burgers and ribs, champagne toasts and beyond. Plus, this fab set is exclusive to Birchbox! The concentrated, vitamin-rich formula heals dryness while coating lips in long-lasting colour. There are two trio options to choose from: the Neutrals trio features Get Naked, a classic nude; Kitty, a soft baby pink; and Dusk Till Dawn, a deep nude with beige undertones. Looking for something brighter? The Classics collection is also available."

Super-moisturising nude colour with a slight shimmer. It lasts a really long time too, and the packaging is cool because it's clear so you can see the colour inside. I'm really fussy with my lip stuff though so i won't be using it - i prefer my matte colours!

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel

Full size: 200ml for £31

Sample size: 40ml

Sample value: £6.20

"When you need an added burst of energy – and coffee is just not enough – use Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel to feel more awake and ready to go. This refreshing gel increases circulation and eliminates toxins from the system. The mix of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper berry essential oils has cleansing and skin toning properties, leaving skin looking healthy, smooth and radiant. Aromatherapy Associates pride themselves on using only the best quality ingredients – nothing harmful or artificial – and ensure every ingredient plays a positive role in the product."

A lovely moisturiser with a spicy scent - makes skin super-smooth. Very refreshing + wakes up the skin a little. A bit overpriced for what it is, but the sample is very generous + the fact that it contains quality ingredients is good too.

Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Nourishing Body Lotion

Full size: 300ml for £25

Sample size: 30ml

Sample value: £2.50

"Like afternoon tea at the Ritz, strawberries at Wimbledon and fish and chips by the sea, Molton Brown has become a British Institution. With their renowned signature scents and iconic packaging, we’re big fans of Molton Brown here at BBx HQ. The Ylang-Ylang Body Lotion mixes yuan zhi root with vanilla and ylang ylang, and the energising scent is perfect for those with busy lives."

This body lotion smells lovely - a classy but light, wearable fragrance. It also moisturises well + the packaging is gorgeous. Leaves the skin feeling beautiful + smooth.

Green & Black's White Chocolate

"The recipe for the white bar melds cocoa butter and organic whole milk with Madagascan vanilla for the deepest of flavours."

Green & Black's is a classic and i really like white chocolate so i think i would have enjoyed it but it was contaminated with perfume smell from the box so it tasted yucky. :{

Bonus: Bunny in a bag :B

Lots of love! :B

ami ♡