Oh Yes, I Jumped... Birchbox June 2014

I've gone and done it again and jumped on another bandwagon! This time it's the beauty-box-subscription-service bandwagon. This seems to be staple in the lives of every beauty blogger/vlogger I watch/read, but I've never tried any out until now.

I had been thinking about joining one for a while now, and then I saw the PR samples that had been sent to bloggers for this month's Birchbox, and decided to bite the bullet and sign up. I only signed up for the one month, just to see what it was like, and if I'd get the products I was particularly after. Turns out, I did! And I'm so pleased with the service and the box!

For those new to this service, Birchbox is a monthly beauty box where you sign up for a certain amount of time (1 month, 3 months or 12), and they charge you £10 (+£2.95 p&p)  and deliver you a box each month made up of 4 or 5 sample size products for you to try. The website explains it in more detail, here.

When it's delivered, the box comes in a cardboard outer-box with your address label on etc. And then you open it up and the actual Birchbox is inside. I was slightly surprised at how small the box is; a great way of cutting down on cardboard etc, I suppose. The lid is made up of a recycled cardboard type material, and the bottom is just a white thick cardboard. Once you open the box up, there is a drawstring bag inside (reminds me of a handbag dustbag, that sort of material) and that's where your samples are.

Opening the bag up, I was surprised [and extremely happy] to find the BeautyBlender inside! The RRP on this alone is £26! This is the product I was really hoping to get, along with the Embryolisse Lait-Cremé Concentré (which I didn't, unfortunately). It's the original and supposedly best version of all these makeup sponges you see on the market today.

The next product was the Caudalié Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF15 Day Perfecting Fluid, which is described as a multi-tasking moisturiser, that brightens, corrects and retextures skin.

The Naobay Body Radiance Lotion is "a lemony fresh organic body lotion with shea butter, olive and avocado oils for truly soft skin."

A mini size of one of the OPI Brazil collection nail polishes also came in the box. I got the yellow shade, it doesn't say the name of the colour on the bottle (I think it's You're So Flippy Floppy).

A mini size of theBalm's How 'Bout Them Apples? blush palette was also included. It actually contains just one of the blush shades that are in the palette, and mine was Pie. I actually bought this palette a couple of months ago, (review coming soon!) but this will be nice to put in my handbag makeup bag, or for travelling.

Finally, every box came with a flip flop keychain in Brazil's colours because this box was called the Global Strikers box (based on the World Cup).

I was really, really impressed with this box, and the service was great. I had to wait a few days after ordering it for it to be despatched, but that's only because Birchbox despatch the boxes in waves after a certain date, and it also depends on when you ordered it. But, after I received my dispatch confirmation email, it arrived the next day!

I think I am definitely tempted to maybe sign up for a longer time now. Or at least keep on eye out on the next month's boxes.

Have you ever tried one of these services? What were your thoughts?

Latest in Beauty: Complexion Perfection beauty box

A few weeks ago, I received a email from Latest in Beauty, introducing their new beauty collection box. As soon as I saw what was in there, I was buying it quicker than you could say beauty collection box! For those who don't know, Latest in Beauty is a website where you can buy a few sample sizes of certain beauty products, from skincare, haircare, makeup and perfume. Now and again, they will also come out with a box that has been pre-designed, and this is one of those boxes. I thought this was great value for money, and just thought I would show you what's inside it.

Okay, so first up is a Pixi by Petra Sheer Cheek Gel (full size), which LIB describe as:

Brighten and beautify your complexion in an instant with Pixi’s Sheer Cheek Gel. This sheer, translucent gel creates a fresh & healthy burst of colour on cheeks and lips which lasts all day long. The hydrating and nourishing formula is oil-free and hypo-allergenic, ideal for even sensitive skin.

Benefit They're Real! mascara (3g). Described as:
They're Real! Mascara lengthens, curls, volumises and separates your lashes. The jet black, long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out and a specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

The Vintage Cosmetics Company Eyeshadow Brush (full size). Described as:
A must-have for every girls make-up bag, The Vintage Cosmetics Company’s Eye Shadow brush is a natural bristle brush which allows perfect application of your eye shadow every time.

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner (full size). Described as:
Say goodbye to smudged make-up thanks to Daniel Sandler’s super long-wearing and extraordinarily soft Waterproof Eyeliner in black. The unique liner combines rich colour with excellent coverage and absolutely no smudging. The perfect addition to any girl’s make-up bag!

Inka Liquid Mineral Foundation (6ml). Described as:
Inika’s revolutionary Liquid Mineral Foundation is an intensely hydrating formula packed full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals guaranteed to leave your skin looking flawless.

Bellapierre Mineral Eye Shadow (full size). Described as:
One of the most versatile eye shadows around; mix this little gem with your favourite moisturiser, lip balm, or even a drop of water and it becomes an eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, bronzer, nail polish or whatever you want it to be!

This box was £11.95 plus £2.95 p&p. I personally, thought that this was a great price for all of these products (the Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel alone is £12.50!!) I was really happy with this box, and the products inside are great brands, and great quality. I would really recommend it. Here explains the box in more detail.