Those of you who have come across beauty boxes before, will know that sometimes they can be a bit hit or miss. I’ve written a piece before explaining how the dedicated BB companies, seem to be much more successful than the ones who have them as an additional side line. This is definitely the case when it comes to Birchbox, who have experience real success in the States and since acquiring Joliebox this side of the pond, have been dedicated to sourcing some interesting new brands. Their February box has now been released, and I have to admit to being rather excited when it landed on my doorstep!
The box itself arrives beautifully wrapped in ribbon, and as well as the little bag of goodies, there is also a handy info card and the February Birchbox magazine. This months’ box is themed around London Fashion Week and contains six samples, the idea being that you “try, learn and buy” from brands that you wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to sample or haven’t yet discovered.
Vichy Thermal Spa Water
This is a handy refreshing spray that you can use as a toner, a freshening spray and even to set your makeup. I’ve tried a number of Vichy products and have always really liked them, so I’m looking forward to trying this one. It’s also a great size for popping in my handbag and will probably get a lot of use after some of the hideously dusty and dirty tube journeys I have to go on! I’ll be especially interested to see how it performs when wearing makeup and see whether it does actually act as a fixing mix – look out for a more detailed review shortly!
Korres Guava Shower Gel
I have miniature shower gels and body lotions coming out of my ears, however I as I travel a lot for work, I can’t get enough of them if they’re good quality. This Korres number falls into that category, they’re a well respected brand and the shower gels smells fresh and pleasant so will be making it into my wash bag very soon!
EBoost Natural Energy Booster
Not usually a fan of sachets, but this isn’t actually a beauty product. Birchbox have included this as a “lifestyle extra” and thanks to the stinking cold I’m currently fighting off, I am not going to moan about anything that claims to make you feel brighter and full of energy. You mix this sachet with water and drink what is supposed to be a pleasant tasting, energy giving and immune boosting supplement. I would say it looks very similar to a very well established brand beginning with B…I will let you know whether it lives up to expectations!
Gerda Spillman Bio Fond Cream Foundation
It’s always risky to include a base makeup in a beauty box as there is a high chance it won’t be a good colour match, however this one seems to be quite good for my skin, which is a stroke of luck! I haven’t come across Gerda Spillman before but they seem to have a dedicated following so I’ll be interested to try this properly and see how it performs. It appears to be a cream to powder formulation and is a really great size for popping into a clutch bag for a night out. Full review coming soon…
Nick Chavez Beverley Hills
Being an American brand, I haven’t tried any Nick Chavez products before, but that’s one of the reason I really like the premise behind Birchbox; we should start seeing some big brands from across the pond arriving on our doorsteps. This is a volumising spray that you spritz on towel dried hair, and I can’t wait to try it as my current VO5 root lifter has all but run out. Again, I will let you know whether it lives up to its claims.
As well as the above five samples, this month’s Birchbox also contained a set of silver eyelash curlers. Simple yet effective, I will be adding these to my brush and tool collection. They don’t pinch and create a good curl, which is exactly what you want!
I’m really impressed with this months Birchbox, I think there is a really good mix of skincare, haircare and makeup products which is a refreshing amount of variety for a beauty box. The magazine is also a surprisingly good read, there are interviews, makeup tips and product updates, a real mini beauty mag. The fact that you can go to the Birchbox website to buy any full size versions of these samples also saves time and makes life easier if you discover a new favourite. I’m really looking forward to seeing if Birchbox maintains these high standards over the months to come!
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service which is priced at £10 per box plus £2.95 P&P. You can find out more and subscribe here.
Original article: The Februrary Birchbox has landed!
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