Birchbox Favourites

I recently signed back up to Birchbox and vowed that I would start using the products instead of letting them build up in a drawer and then throwing them all away. I have a few favourites that I've found myself using most days, which is unusual for me!

Beauty Protector | Protect & Oil

Birchbox // September Edition

Bloody 'ell, am I really posting about my Birchbox? How long has it been?! I've gotten really lazy with my beauty box reviews but this month, I really enjoyed my box so I thought, I need to tell you all about it! 

Birchbox Delivery // May '14

Morning!

I didn't review last months Birchbox as I was under a lot of pressure (as you guys know) and had no time for my little Internet space, plus last months box was a bit pants (sorry Birchbox!). This month however, WOAH. I adore this months box and it has two of my favourite brands and a brand that I have always wanted to try! Also, can I just ask, has anyone else noticed that the Birchbox boxes smell.. Amazing. Like, really amazing? Please let me know in the comments below! 

So, this months box was all about the weather getting warmer. I adore (it literally made me squeal like a little child) the packaging of this months box and will definitely be using the box for something else afterwards. Birchbox have collaborated with Harper's Bazaar to put together a collection of products designed for the warmer months ahead. So what did I get?

theBALM Nude'tude Palette

Morning my little sugarplums,

I have a review for you today. Oh look, I'm getting good at doing these! A few weeks ago I used my Birchbox points to purchase this beauty, that I have been wanting for so long. 

Birchbox Delivery // 05

Morning people;

My 5th Birchbox and it still never lets me down! This month Birchbox collaborated with Lulu Guinness, who according to Sian is a designer. I'm not gonna lie and this may lose me a few followers, but I have no idea who this woman is and in all honesty, I don't have the time to research these things. I'm not into designers, I like my Primark leggings and my Asda slippers, other than make-up I don't tend to splurge on expensive items of clothing. But anyway, she put rock in my Birchbox, the woman is a legend. Oh look, I've rambled again, shall we begin?

Benefit - Stay Don't Stray | £20.50
An eye primer you can count on! Ensure eyeshadow and concealer stays out from AM to PM. Dot above and below the eye, gently blending in with your fingertip. 

I was quite happy to see this in my box - at first I thought it was an eyeshadow, HA how silly of me. I'm quite new to the primer world, I've started using POREfessional on nights out now and now I have an eyeshadow primer too! Ooo, how exciting - and how sad am I that I get excited about primers? Anyway - looking forward to trying this out next week - ON MY BIRTHDAY.

Dr. Brandt - Pores No More Pore Refiner | £39
A favourite of photo-read celebs, this sheer formula minimises pores and absorbs excess oil. Apply a thin layer to your face before make-up and after moisturiser. 

So - is this a primer? Or a cleanser? Or, I don't even know. Guys, why do I even have a beauty blog? I know nothing! I've never heard this brand - but if it's gonna make my skin look good, then I will try it! But £39? Even if this transforms my skin and makes me look like Katy Perry - I will not be repurchasing at that price.

Aroma Works - Nurture Body Oil | £32.50
A blend of sumptuous oils - including nourishing coconut oil - to leave limbs silky and smelling divine. After a bath or shower, massage into skin and enjoy the aroma.

I just made Stuart smell this and this was his response - 'Woah, that's a bit lemony' so guys, this smells like lemons. Which I didn't think I would like, but I actually do. Oils scare the hell out of me, I have a couple that I haven't used. I use one on the ends of my hair, but that's about as far into the world of oil that I've ventured - unless using it for a suntan counts? I think I might use this a few times a week after a nice bath? I dunno. It'll probably go in the 'I don't dare use' box.

Molton Brown - Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream | £10
A fast-absorbing, repairing and deeply nourishing lotion to leave hands delectably soft and smelling sweet. Massage into hands for a moisture kick.

Right. Beauty box makers - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I have enough hand creams to fill a bath tub, please stop putting them in your boxes! There is only so many we can go through - and when you don't even have dry hands, well what am I supposed to do with them all?! I must admit, this smells divine - but UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Stop it.

English Laundry - No. 7 for Her | £47
Top notes of pear and jasmine blend with gardenia, vanilla and sandalwood in this delightful scent. Spritz onto pulse points and enjoy the fresh fragrance.

I still have no idea what sandalwood is - someone please enlighten me. I received a sample of an English Laundry perfume in my first Birchbox and I was so impressed I nearly went and brought it and again, I am not disappointed. This is a very fresh fragrance and if you guys know me at all, you'll know I'm shite at describing scents. I can however, smell Jasmine and vanilla and well, that's all I need!

Lifestyle Extra - Candy Rock
This stripey candy represents the traditional sweet shops that inspired Lulu Guinness' fabulous Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Unwrap and enjoy!

It almost killed me waiting till I had taken photos and eaten this - and once I unwrapped it, it was gone in minutes, my poor teeth! This is my favourite out of the box, I love rock! This was mint flavoured (I expected it to be aniseed) and oooo, yeah.

So, this months Birchbox - maybe my least favourite box so far?! HOWEVER, I'm still not disappointed. Even though there were no full-sized products in this months box :( sad face - I'm chuffed with the Benefit primer, the perfume AND mate, who can not be overjoyed with a stick of rock?

What did you guys think to your boxes?!

- Charli, xo

Birchbox Delivery // 04

Good morning my little sugar nuggets;

After a weekend in London, I'm feeling positively splendid about life. The beauty boxes have arrived and this months are pretty darn good! Here goes; 

So this months Birchbox is all about Love Style, inspired by London Fashion Week and I'm also thinking a slight touch of Valentines? Let's have a look at what I recieved; 

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil | £16

Exclusive launch! This nourishing hair oil battles UV rays, heat and breakage. Work 1-3 drops into damp hair, or to dry ends. Perfect for all hair types. 

This is the second Beauty Protector product I have tried from Birch and I've loved both of them! I struggle with oily hair so I wasn't sure whether this would be okay for me at first, but I applied a few drops, literally 2-3 to the ends of my hair, (it smells amazing BTW) and then dried my hair. Now my ends are super soft! And feel really healthy! So I'll be using this a couple of times a week I think!

Eyeko - Skinny Liquid Eyeliner | £12

A foolproof liquid liner to help you create Alexa Chung-style feline flicks in a flash. The precision pen tip ensures a tidy line.

There was a tip card with this item, that shows you how to do the 'perfect flick' which I think looks a bit pants. But this couldn't have come at a better time. I've been desperate for a liquid liner and this looks as though it's going to be pretty good! I can't wait to try this out.

Urbanveda - Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish | £8.99

A gentle exfoliator packed with superfruits for a radiant, youthful complexion. Massage into damp, cleansed skin 2-3 times a week.

This is a very rough exfoliator! And not to be used everyday! However, it smells nice and it left my skin feeling smooth as a baby's bottom! I've only used it once, but I will be using it 2-3 times a week as it says and definitely moisturising afterwards!

Gilchrist & Soames - The London Collection Shower Gel | £13.75

A paraben-free formula with red tea, grape seed and milk thistle to refresh and hydrate skin;. Lather up in a hot shower and inhale the crisp, invigorating scent. 

I actually really love the smell of this. I've used this once and it filled the bathroom with a beautiful smell that lasted ages afterwards! I love how much it lathers up and it made my skin feel so smooth! The only thing I don't like about this product is the packaging. I think it looks like the cheapo stuff you get when you stay in a hotel?!

Leighton Denny - Nail Colour | £11

High-performance polishes in our favourite stylish shades. Apply two even layers of colour and finish with top coat.

Everyone should know by now that I'm a nail varnish addict, so my eyes lit right up when I opened my box to this. This would look beautiful over a black base coat and I can't wait to try it out! I've never heard of this brand before but I've read some good reviews!

Green & Black's - Dark 70% Chocolate | £2.29

The highest quality organic cocoa beans, sugar and vanilla are sourced to create this delicious treat. On the sofa, at your desk, or on the move; nipple wherever, whenever!

No, ew. I hate dark chocolate with a passion. I also don't really eat any other chocolate than Cadburys, Galaxy or Lindt. This will be going to Bear. 

Overall, I'm really impressed with this months box. As usual Birchbox hasn't failed to impress. Even though I don't like the chocolate, I love that they almost always put in a little extra something, usually edible, which I'm sure everyone loves!

What did you guys get this month?

- Charli, xo

Birchbox Delivery #3

Morning noggins;

Today we have the January Birchbox. Birchbox is my favourite beauty box by a mile and I've never been disappointed. This month we have a 'Tiny Tweaks' theme and is all about making your big resolutions into smaller bite size ones. I adore the Tiny Tweaks booklet that you get that has 30 little suggestions to start your year off with motivation. Let's get on with it, shall we?

Philip Kingsley - Elasticizer | £27.50
A hair saviour. This mask strengthens, nourishes and prevents breakages. Work through damp hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition.

I'm quite interested to try this. After doing a bit more reading, apparently hair is supposed to stretch? Did not know that! My hair breaks reaaaally easily, so I'm looking forward to seeing if this makes a difference. The only problem is, you have to leave it on for 20 minutes, BEFORE you wash your hair. Weird, huh? What am I supposed to do for 20 minutes?

Benefit - The POREfessional | £24.50
An award-winning primer that magically erases pores and leaves skin velvety. Smooth the lightweight formula over the skin after moisturiser, then blend with fingertips.

Oh my God. I love it. I knew I was getting this in my box, I'm pretty certain everyone got it. And I've wanted to try it for so long but as my Benefit addiction has grown, my bank balance has reduced greatly. I only use this when I'm going somewhere nice as I don't want to use it up too quick! It glides onto your skin like silk, it makes my skin look and feel amazing and when my skin is in good condition I think I could get away with using just this and no foundation. LOVE IT.

Vasanti - Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser | £18.00
Wash away toxins (not to mention every last trace of foundation) with this fresh cleanser. Smooth foam over damp face and lather. Rinse carefully and pat dry.

Well, I've been wanting to try a new cleanser for a while now so this has come at the right time. It's a tiny bottle so I'm not sure if there's enough to actually see a difference? Unless it's THAT good?

Lavera - Basis Sensitive Hand Cream | £4.45
Organic Shea butter and almond oil protects and moisturises parched winter hands. Rub into hands whenever they're in need of nourishment.

What is it with beauty boxes and hand creams? I must of had about 4 now. My hands are not dry guys, my hands are in pretty good condition! This will probably sit in my drawer till it's past it's use by date, although it does smell pretty nice.

Premae - Anatomy Nutrients Instant Renewal Body Oil | £9.50
Moisturise, tone and detoxify skin with this natural, allergy-tested body oil. Apply to clean skin after a bath or a shower to nourish and rehydrate. 

I keep meaning to use this. I take it into the bathroom every time I have a bath, get out, dry myself and slap my PJ's on, completely forgetting it's there. Body oils are all the rave at the moment, so I will eventually get around to using this!

ITSU - Miso Soup | £2.25 (for 3 sachets)
A light, healthy - and tasty! - soup packed full of antioxidants and amino acids. Squeeze the paste into a mug, add hot water and stir.

I actually really like that they've thrown something different into the box, it's just a shame I got the vegetarian version. Gimme the meat! I'm not into trying new foods but I think I'm going to force myself to try this, what harm could it do? Apart from taste vile...

All in all, I really like this box. Maybe that's why I don't like my Glossy's so much? Who knows. Now I'm waiting for next months pretties, hoping they do some sort of Valentines theme! 

What did you get in your boxes guys? I'd love to know!

- Charli, xo

Birchbox Delivery #2

It's that time again! Last week I received my December Birchbox and after my second Glossybox being such a let down, I expected this to do the same and boy, was I wrong! I squealed with excitement, once again, after opening this! What can I say? Simple things.

(My Daddy let me use his big fancy camera, he's a keeper)

 

Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hairspray | £18.50

 

'Humidity resistant formula' what more could I need? I don't really use hairspray as it tends to make my hair frizzy or 'crisp' as this describes, but at £18.50 a bottle, I reckon I could give this a go!

 

Nail Rock - Nail Velvet | £6.99

 

My nails are a bit crappy at the moment, sad face :( but they're slowly growing back! One hand always seems to grow better than the other, anyone else find that? Let me know. I cannot wait to try this out, I love Nail Rock products and I got the deep purple velvet colour which looks like it's going to be stunning!

 

Twistband | £10 for a pack of 6

 

Random?! Apparently this is a repeat product that everyone seems to be raving about?! I love that this months Birchbox came with a hair tutorial card including this band, I think that's a really thought out part of the box. I'm SO bored of my hair at the moment and can't wait to get it re-done in the new year, but until then, I'm up for trying new hairstyles! I'll be trying this very soon so keep your eyes peeled!

 

Jane Iredale - Cheek & Lip Stain | £20.95

 

I've only every used one lip and cheek tint before, from my Glossybox. It smelt disgusting and was a liquid based one which I'm not afraid to say, I had no idea how to use. This however, smells like CANDY. IT SMELLS LIKE DAMN CANDY. Beautiful. And it comes in a stick which you just apply and then blend in with your fingers! Easy peasy :)

 

Lipsy London - Glam Fragrance | From £18

 

Damn you Birchbox. Stop sending me stunning fragrances. My purse cannot take the strain! This smells amazing. No other words. Watch out for a Fragrance Friday post.

 

Alima Pure - Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow | £12.50

 

What a pretty little pot of angelness. That's not a word, Charli. Pfft. This is a cute little shimmer pot that would be lovely for an all over base colour! Definitely can't wait to try this.

 

BeeKind - Body Lotion | £12.95

 

Weirdly, this is my favourite product, other than that amazing perfume. Now, we all know the bees are in decline and I know it's boring guys, but it does actually matter, it affects a lot of different things. And me being the animal princess I am, I love products that dedicate their time to situations like this. A portion of the proceeds of every purchase is donated towards bee research! And to top it all off, it smells BEEautiful.. see what I did there ;)

 

SO. Overall guys, I'm just as excited about this box, as the last one! I realise I haven't actually reviewed anything from my last box yet, this is because I only received it 2 weeks prior to this one and I'm been working my little bum off doing some overtime! Keep your eyes peeled folks!

 

Have you joined Birchbox? What do you think?

 

- Charli, xo



Fragrance Friday - English Laundry

So I haven't done a Fragrance Friday in a while, even though I've got several I want to review! This weeks product is; English Laundry - Signature for Her. I received this in my first Birchbox and I've fallen in love with it! So here are my thoughts;

As you know, I'm awful at describing scents but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. Now, what do Birchbox say?

'English Laundry tap into the very essence of an English country garden with this beautifully fresh fragrance. Envelop yourself in top notes of rose geranium and creamy white flowers set against its backdrop of woody spicy and musky notes.'

Well, if I'm being honest, I do not think this smells flowery! At all. I do however think it is an extremely sweet smell and as soon as I opened my Birchbox, even before having my first spray, it was ALL I could smell and it was beautiful. Because of the name and the bottle I assumed that this was going to be a very adult smell, not sure how to explain that, but I thought it was going to be something my Gran would wear. Maybe she would wear it, I don't know, but it definitely isn't a 'granny' kind of smell. I think it's a very sexy, young scent and I'm thinking this might be my next perfume purchase. 

Birchbox Shop - 50ml £47.00

Have any of you tried this perfume? What did you think?

- Charli, xo

Birchbox Delivery #1

Hii guys;

So I joined Birchbox! Recently Glossybox has really, I've felt, been a let down. I get way too excited about the pink box being delivered and then when I open it, I seem to keep being really disappointed, sad face :( so in a moment of weakness last week, after being sent an email offering three free products if I signed up... I crumbled. And boy, am I glad I did.

(Kasper snoozing in the background)

Look at all these amazing goodies!

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash | £7.95

I've never heard of this brand but it smells lovely! Definitely something to use in a morning to wake yourself up a bit. It also says there are no artificial foaming agents used, I guess that's a good thing, right?

Laura Mercier Body Body | £26

OHMYGOD. I finally have something from Laura Mercier.. Been dying to get my hands on something from this brand for such a long time! This smells beautiful and I cannot wait to trial it. It's also quite a nice size so looks as though it might last me a while, which is always a good thing!

Beauty Protector - Protect and Detangle | £15

£15 is a bit excessive for a detangling spray, so this product better work! I'm going to let you into a little secret.. I do not brush my hair. The only time my 'orrible locks get a brush, is straight out of the shower and it's always a rate mission, so this seems like a sign to brush my hair more.

ModelCo. Party Proof Lipstick | £15.50 (for a set of 3)

Hmm. I don't really like this shade. Boo hoo :( being a lip junkie I'm really disappointed that I don't like the shade! Although.. I haven't actually tried it yet. It's a dark nude and just looks really... grown up. Maybe this will go to my mum.

English Laundry - Signature for Her Eau de Parfum | From £16

Oh darling, this smells awesome. From £16?! That's well cheap! I've never heard of this brand before, I love it when beauty boxes send you brands you've never heard of.. Although it usually makes me wanna go out and buy the full size of everything! I really like this!

Pukka Herbs - Selection of Teas | £2.29

Don't like tea. Soz. Going to my friend. - Although, I LOVE that they include little things like this!

THE FREEBIES

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel

This smells delish, (talking a lot about smells today, weirdo). This is definately something to use to wake yourself up in a morning. It even says on the back, USE IN THE MORNING. Or something like that. Shame all I do is roll out of bed in a morning.

LAQA&CO 

This is a mini lip crayon and I LOVE it :) it's a pale pink, which is very me & I'm a lip product hoarder so can't wait to trial this!

theBALM Blusher

Even though I don't own anything by theBALM - it's one of my favourite brands. Yeah, that's weird, how can I say that? COS IT'S PRETTY AND I DON'T NEED A REASON. I'm craving one of their eyeshadows palettes for the pure reason it has naked ladies on it.. What else do you need in an eyeshadow palette?

So guys, that was a not so quick summary of what I recieved this month. I also got a sharpener as a 'goodie' which is cool as I've recently lost mine! I WILL  be reviewing each of these, I know I always say that and then I never do, but I will, I promise.

That's all folks! 

- Charli, xo