I was quite excited to see REN featured in January's Birchbox as it's a brand I still haven't tried very much of and I am drawn to anything that has that magic word glycol in it! I use and overnight Glycolic Peel twice a week and love the results so couldn't wait to try REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Masque.

This masque promises to be a potent bio active peel masque that is designed to renew the complexion and over time reduce the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone. The texture of this masque is quite a sticky, thick gel and although the formula is quite sticky it applies well and doesn't roll off your skin as some gel masques do. It's relatively odourless and colourless which means you have to have good lighting to see where you're applying it. REN warn that slight tingling may be felt after application and it shouldn't be used on sensitive skin, I however didn't experience this.

Although I wasn't expecting huge results after one use I can tell it's not for me. Despite very thoroughly washing the masque off my skin felt greasy and oily after use and I broke out the next day! Luckily I barely squeezed one masque from the sample so there's no love loss there.

January's Birchbox

This month Birchbox have joined forces with Women's Health magazine to create a box of products that help us to go back to basics and hit refresh. So here's what was inside my box this month...

• Shave works The Cool Fix 

Helps to soothe redness after shaving and waxing and helps heal shaving rashes.

• Activbod Feel Great Shower Concentrate

A shower gel with an energising blend of sea minerals and green tea extract.

• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

A sweet scented leave-in conditioner that helps detangle and fight frizz.

• REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Masque

A bioactive glycolic peel masque that renews your complexion.

• Stila Lip Glaze

A sheer gloss.

There was also a pilates band and a sachet of green tea included in my box as lifestyle extras.

I have to admit that when I opened my box I felt a little underwhelmed by it's contents but the products all are things I will use, with the exception of the lipgloss (not worn lipgloss since I was 12!) and the pilates band. Not a bad box to start the year with, I'm looking forward to giving it all a go.

December Birchbox

December's Birchbox is a sparkling collaboration with accessory designer Sophia Webster, dubbed the bumper box including everything you need to get you through the party season I was pleasantly surprised with the contents when it arrived yesterday. So here's my box and contents...

Everybody will be lucky enough to receive a Models Own nail polish (colours vary, I received Amethyst) a Benefit cracker with a surprise inside (I received a mini High Beam sample) and Eyeko Fat Eye Stick (shades vary, I received the shade Smoke) and an exclusive purse designed by Sophia Webster.

Also included in my box was a decent sized sample of Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream, an anti-aging cream thats targets wrinkles and adds hydration to skin. I had a a good sized sample of Electric Hair Hydrate Shampoo which helps to repair damage and improve shine with it's nourishing formula and a sample of Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil which I've been dying to try for some time.

All in all I'm very pleased with this month's box, I did cancel a few months ago after a few meh boxes but I really feel the boxes contents have improved last month and this month, everything will get used from this box and I was excited to see one of my favourite brands Eyeko included.

September's Birchbox Contents And Review

September's Birchbox has the theme 'Happy Days'...a celebration of new beginnings and reminiscing about our school days and well, just the things that make us happy. So here's what I received in my box this month...

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

First up is Benefit's It's Potent!  eye cream (3g sample). I'm currently trialling this eye cream after receiving it in another beauty box recently so it's great to have a little back up as I'm enjoying using it. It's potent is a very thick, almost balm like cream that is packed with active ingredients including cocoa extract and apple extract to help microcirculation and collagen count. As well as being an awesome eye cream the packaging is so cute and looks great on your dressing table!

Agave Healing Oil Treatment

A product that tames frizz and helps heal damaged hair is something that is always welcome in my hair routine. Agave Healing Oil Treatment (4ml sample) is said to help build resiliency and boost radiance and shine. As well as being an intensive hair treatment it also doubles up as a body oil. I'm looking forward to trying this next time I wash my hair!

Korres Citrus Showergel

Showergel is always a product that I'm a bit blah about receiving in my boxes, but they are a practical item and I often do enjoy using them. Korres Citrus Showergel (50ml sample) has a lightweight formula and a refreshing citrus scent, perfect for an early morning pick-me-up!

Premae Mild Pro Dermabrasion

Anyone that reads my blog regularly will know that I love Premae's products! I already own the full size version of their Mild Pro Dermabrasion and love it. I received a 20ml sample which will be perfect to keep aside for nights away from home, this scrub has worked wonders (as part of a routine of Premae's products) for me blemish prone skin. Premae's products only include natural ingredients which I love and as a result of this have really noticed a difference with my skin.

Model Co Lip Lacquer Viva

A couple of weeks prior to despatch Birchbox subscribers were contacted to guarantee and choose between 3 products to go in their box (Model Co Lip Laquer in Viva or Morocco or their Power Lash Mascara) and I chose Model Co's Lip Lacquer  in the shade Viva. To be honest I only went for this product as I presumed it was going to be a matte or velvet product and was a little disappointed to find it was actually a gloss (I haven't done gloss since I was 14!). I'll give it a go, but I'm pretty sure this will go to my sister.

Also in this month's box as lifestyle extra's was a little clip photo holder and a bag of Urban Fruit (I received Strawberry). Not a bad box, but not the best either...after seeing the contents on various social media platforms I really wasn't that enthused when it arrived today. As with all beauty boxes you are going to get your not so great month's, fingers crossed for a better box next month!

August's Birchbox - Contents And Review

This month's Birchbox contains a selection of products with the thought of getaway's in mind.  The products selected are some great travel essentials including a leave-in conditioner, perfect for sun damaged hair and a mineral-infused exfoliator to help you brighten and prolong that tan. So lets take a closer look at my box's contents...

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator  is an aloe-infused exfoliator that targets clogged pores and any dry, flaky skin. Suitable for even sensitive skin due to the tiny exfoliating crystals and creamy texture this face scrub is guaranteed to leave you with glowing skin. The sample was a generous size, I can see I will get a good 3-4 uses from it. I really enjoyed using this product, I'm not convinced enough to purchase the full size as I currently use a cheaper but equally as good product, but it's definitely a nice treat for the skin.

Numer 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Comb Prep & Protect has got to be my favourite product from this month's box. Not only does it smell absolutely gorgeous but it left my hair so soft after using it last night. I have naturally curly hair which at times can be a little course without the right products and this product really de-tangled my hair tamed my frizziness. Another reason it gets a big thumbs up from me is that it's 100% paraben-free and sulphate-free meaning that it's genuinely conditioning your hair and not just sealing the shaft with silicones giving the appearance of glossier hair. I definitely will go on to purchase the full-size product.

The product that I was most looking forward to trying but actually turned out to be, in my opinion, the worst product in the box was Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream. The sample sizes were ok, enough to get 2-3 uses, but the product itself was very disappointing. First thing I noticed when squeezing it out of the tube was the colour, for a CC cream that is supposed to be for fair/medium skin tones it has incredibly red undertones. At the moment I wear NC20 and this was far too dark and red for even my tanned skin. Secondly the texture was horrible. This product is described as lightweight and velvety but I have to say it felt heavy and greasy on my skin. Big thumbs down from me on this one!

Dead Sea Spa Magik Refreshing Shower Gel  in my first initial opinion is a bit meh. Sure a shower gel of some form is a travel essential but I would have preferred something a bit more luxurious and fragrant...something to take you back to that place you holidayed when you use it! This multipurpose product can either be poured in to a running bath or used lathered in the shower and with it's pure minerals from the Dead Sea it's guaranteed to be good for your skin.

Another product I was looking forward to trying but a bit bummed out because if the shade I received was the Wild About Beauty Powder Eyeshadow. I received shade 01 Paradise, a highly-pigmented gold eyeshadow. I find it a little hard to get excited about this product purely due to the colour I received however the packaging is beautiful and there are a great selection of wearable colours in the line so I may purchase I shade I like to road test it properly.

The lifestyle extra is this months box was a chapter from a romantic novel titled The Proposal by Tasmina Perry. When I have a little spare time I may have a quick flick through it, however romances aren't really my thang!

A bit of a meh box this month in my opinion. As much as I've enjoyed using the prep & protect spray and exfoliator I really could have done without all of the products I received and probably would have liked to have seen some more beauty products or fragrances.

July Birchbox Review

On Saturday I received July's sun, sea & sand themed Birchbox. I was quite impressed with the speed of despatch and delivery this month (I had a right fiasco last month which meant I didn't receive my box until the end of the month!) so let's take a look at what I received in my box...

Laqa & Co Lip Lube

I'm a big lover of lip products, especially the chubby lip pencil style ones. I received Laqa & Co's Lip Lube in the shade Menatour, a sheer purple colour. There were two shades up for grabs (Bees Knees a coral shade) and if I could have picked then this shade would have been my choice. I found Menatour to be a very flattering fuchsia purple and it does leave your lips very hydrated...this has got to be my favourite product in the box.

Whish Three Wishes Body Butter

Yawn...another body product! Don't get me wrong, the opportunity to try a new body product every now and then is great, I do however seem to receive some form of body butter, lotion or milk EVERY month. I will admit I've not tried this out yet, it's been chucked in a drawer to try on a rainy day as Lavender is not one of my favourite scents. Whish Three Whishes Body Butter claims to be a non-greasy containing organic Aloe, Shea Butter and Raspberry butter to combat dryness and organic Seaweed extract to aid firmness of skin.

Models Own Fireworks Polish

This shade of Models Own polish (Rocket) was a bit of a random choice for a summer themed box in my opinion. Glitter polishes aren't usually my thing, but a red glitter polish in July?? I'm a massive fan of Models Own products but this one will have to go away until the festive season!

Benefit POREfessional Primer

Benefit's POREfessional is the UK's no.1 best selling primer and I'm probably going to get booed for saying this but I really don't rate it. I don't have massive pores but I do have a small amount of noticeable ones on my cheeks and this did absolutely nothing to disguise them and it left my face looking oily after a few hours. Admittedly the last time I tried this primer was a couple of years ago so I should probably give it a another shot before totally brushing it off, but this was not a product I was too enthralled at seeing in my box.

Balance Me Eye cream

Another meh product (in my eyes) is Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream. The only reason I say this is I am more than happy with my current eye cream so I'm not really looking to sample anything else, I could be wrong...this could be the holy grail of eye products! This three-in-one multi-tasking softens, smooths and brightens thanks to a unique blend of chamomile, lemon, cucumber oil, which-hazel, rose hip oil and carrot oil. Rich and easily absorbed its reputed to be perfect for the summer.

As a little lifestyle extra there was a nail buffer, which is a pretty handy thing to keep in your bag or your desk drawer at work.

I must say this was probably the worse box I've received from Birchbox so far. The majority of products on this month's shortlist have been around for a while and didn't really excite me to receive. I'm sure I'll absolutely love next month's box, it's just the gamble you have to take with beauty box subscriptions.

Jodie

xoxo 

June's Birchbox Review

A bit of a late review of Birchbox this month due to the fact that for some unbeknown reason I only received my box on Saturday (after 2 weeks of emailing them seeing what the hell was going on). Anyways, this month's birch box was a Brazil theme in celebration of (I'm sure you're aware unless you've been locked in a bunker!) the World Cup kicking off this month. Lets take a look at what I received in my box...

Beauty Blender 

I was very happy to see that my box contained the Beauty Blender that everyone was desperate to get their hands on! I've been using it everyday since I received it and I can honestly say I'm converted from my my regular foundation brush (Real Techniques Expert Face Brush)! Used properly it does give a beautifully even finish, not streaks or uneven patches, just skin-looking...only better! The only thing I do find is that if you don't squeeze the excess water out properly it can drink up your foundation. I also love the fact that it came with the cleanser to clean it after every use.

Caudalie Vinoperfect 

Another product that was gratefully received was Caudalie's Vinoperfect Day Fluid. I think most subscribers were hoping to get their hands on one product by this luxurious French brands this month. Vinoperfect Day fluid promises to smooth lines, minimise pores and reduce dark spots. I'm looking forward to giving this day cream a go on one of my Trial-Sized Tuesdays.

Naobay Body Radiance Lotion

This fresh lemon fragranced lotion by Naobay was another welcome product in my Birchbox. I have a real affinity for moisturizers, especially those that promise to promote radiance and hydration. This light lotion is infused with ingredients such as avocado oil and shea butter.

O.P.I Brazil Collection

I was quite excited to see O.P.I featured in this month's box as I saw some gorgeous colors featured in some boxes. I however received You're So Flippy Floppy, a bright shimmery yellow...not my colour at all I'm afraid so I wont be testing this product out.

 

Silk + Honey Shea Butter Hair Mask

I am a bit of a sucker for hair treatments and was glad to see this in my box. I did try Silk + Honey on my hair on Saturday night and I must say it left my hair rather soft. Initially when I opened the tub for a smell I was not impressed, I was expecting the mask to smell primarily of Shea Butter, I would however compare the scent to Nivea Moisturizer. Despite the smell it was a pleasant little mask to use and it left my hair soft and shiny.

 

As a little 'lifestyle extra' there was a small flip-flop keyring in the Brazilian colors.

I have mixed emotions about this month's box, I think I would have been more excited about it if I received it when every body else had received there's and not 2 weeks later. Contents wise not a bad box, service wise however not so good.

Jodie

xoxo

May's Edition Of Birchbox

Rather excitingly Birchbox collaborated with Sophie Bloomfield the Beauty Director from fashion and beauty magazine Harper's Bazaar with their must-have beauty picks for Spring/Summer. When Birchbox announced their collaboration it caused quite a stir on social media with beauty enthusiasts eagerly anticipating May's edition and quite rightly so as this box has some fabulous products in it! Let's take a look into my box and the items I received...

One of the products everyone wanted was Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish. This award winning (100 awards to be precise!) cleanser lifts dirt and makeup from the skin's surface with a little help from two of nature's best astringents- eucalyptus oil and rosemary, polishing the product off with their 100% cotton muslin cloth it leaves skin radiant, smoothed and soothed. Gentle yet effective it can even be used to remove eye makeup. Funnily enough I placed an order for this very product earlier in the week and it came the same time as my Birchbox! Whilst I am more than happy with my current cleanser I was intrigued to know why this product has such a cult following...I will pop a post up once I have tried it this evening.

I was hoping that I would have one of the polishes in my box after seeing the spoilers and I was so pleased when I opened the box to find the shade Persimmon by expert salon brand Soigne. This gorgeous coral shade, leaning more on the orange side, will be the perfect Spring/Summer shade for fingers and toes! The packaging of this polish makes it feel a lot more expensive than it is (rrp £11). It comes in a gorgeous Chanel-esque black and white box with the polish being hugged firmly by black foam inside. I only did my nails yesterday evening so won't be trying it out tonight but it's next on my list!

Another great sample-sized product from Benefit this month. I have tried their 'They're Real!' mascara before and it's really good, it gives lashes both length and volume with a natural looking curl. The formula is jet-black and the special brush is definition enchanting, easily layered to take you from your day-to-night look. I find the best application is to wiggle the brush from lash base to tip, giving you volume without clumps.

I do love a good bath oil, although I tend to shower more I do have a lovely little collection in the bathroom for when I do decide to take time out and indulge. I have tried Aromatherapy Associates Morning Bath & Shower Oil before, containing grapefruit, rosemary and juniper it's a great energy booster for use in the morning or after travelling. There's enough for one bath in the sample, I will add this to my collection to indulge in soon.

Last but not least in my box was Beauty Protectors shampoo and conditioner. I rarely stray from my usual shampoo and conditioner but I do have a little box of samples which are great to pack if I'm going away for the night. Beauty Protector's range is designed to revive heat styled hair, guard against further damage and hep heal any that's already been done. The formula contains honey pearl powder which is rich in conchiolin which acts like the hair protein Keratin.





Overall I think this was a fabulous box full of a good variation of great quality products. I have only been with Birchbox for 3 months and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Jodie

xoxo

April's Birchbox

Ok, so I'm sure most subscribers have already received their boxes and non-subscribers have definitely seen a million photos but here's what I received in my April Birchbox....

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes

Not the most exciting thing to sample from a beauty box but definitely a refreshing, essential one! These rejuvenating wipes are packed with vitamins and yep, you guessed it...organic cucumbers! They claim to have an anti-inflammatory green tea extract in them that will improve the general health of skin and protect from free-radiacals. The sample size was a decent 10 wipes and price at only £4.99 for a full-size pack of 30 they are very purse-friendly.

Campos de Ibiza Almond Body Milk

A fast-absorbing formula with rosewater to calm sensitive skin and anti-oxidants offer long lasting hydration and protection from environmental aggressors- such as sun damage. This also was an ample sized sample, it was pleasant but body milk's aren't really my thing so I doubt I'll purchase the full size product (£16.55 for 200ml).

theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples

By far the favourite product in my box this month! When I started to see other subscribers boxes I was praying this would be in mine! I received a sample of the shade 'Pie' which is an easy to blend shade cream formula which can be used on either cheeks or lips. The full size version is priced at £26 which is a total bargain as it comes with six multi-tasking shades.

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection

Now I was a bit annoyed when I opened my box as prior to despatch Birchbox emailed me and said I could pick which shade of polish I would like in my box, I responded straight away and picked Breakfast At... which is the gorgeous green colour. I however received Heirloom Pearls which is the shimmery off-white...not really my colour! The bottles are quite cute and a decent 7ml size, the collection of 4 polishes is priced at £15.

Propercorn Sweet Coconut & Vanilla Popcorn

As a little extra sweet treat there was a bag of Propercorn coconut and vanilla popcorn, I really thought wouldn't be my thing but they are actually really tasty! Priced at 90p for a 20g bag they a purse and hips friendly!

Last but not least...Lord & Berry Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil

Now I don't usually reach for a kohl eyeliner as my general day-to-day make-up look includes a winged eyeliner so I use something a lot less smudge-proof but an eyeliner is always a welcome addition to my make-up arsenal. Luckily I received the shade black, which I think most did. This eyeliner smudges very easily so would be ideal for the odd occasion when I go for the smokey-eyed look.

All-in-all not a bad box at all this month, apart from the mix-up with the nail polish shade and my box taking what seemed like forever to be despatched...I'm happy.

Jodie

xoxo

My First Birchbox...

I'm sure Birchbox isn't new to many of you but after a few disappointing boxes from Glossybox I decided to give Birchbox a go...especially when I saw they were collaborating with one of my favorite handbag designers...Lulu Guinness! If you read one of my latest posts about Glossybox you will know I have cancelled my subscription, for me a beauty box should be more about the quality of the contents than the quantity. As I live in a rural part of Somerset and the nearest department store for high end products is 50 odd miles away I want to be able to try products out before I commit to buying and they end up in my ever expanding drawer of once-used products! My first Birchbox didn't dissapoint. The box felt it was put together with care, the products were good quality and the sample sizes were very generous. Lets take a look into my box...

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

I absolutely love this primer! So much so I went on to purchase the full size version. It can be used under eye-shadow or under-eye concealer. I was sent light/medium which compliments my skintone perfectly. I have found it gives me a lovely smooth base and keeps my concealer in place all day. A huge thumbs up from me!

Dr Brandt Pores No More

I'm a sucker for anything that claims to erase my huge pores and give me flawless results, other than the fact this box was a Lulu collaboration, this primer was one of the reasons I subscribed. I hate to say it does nothing for my pores, but it does give me lovely base for my foundation. When you squeeze it out of the tube it's a quite intimidating red/brown colour, but this is not at all apparent when your foundation is applied over it. I also want to mention it has quite a strong fragrance, a nice spicy, floral fragrance. I have enjoyed using the sample but probably wouldn't purchase the full size for £39.

Molton Brown Hand Cream

I love hand creams! The sample only lasted me day as I apply hand cream every time I'm done washing my hands. It had a lovely scent, Rhubarb and Rose and instantly absorbed into my skin (just as they claim). It was a pleasure to use but I don't think I'm swayed from my usual go-to hand cream.

English Laundry Signature EDP

I usually am not too phased when I receive a perfume sample...I have a drawer full of them but this perfume is going onto my birthday wishlist! Its a gorgeous sweet floral smell with a faint hint of toffee. It smells quite alike to Katy Perry's Killer Queen or Britney Spears' Fantasy. I was gutted when the sample ran out! Big thumbs up from me!

Korres Citrus Body Milk

I'm not usually too enthralled my citrus smells, they remind me of cheap air-fresheners for some reason?! This moisturizer is an exception. It has a very fresh, light citrus smell. Although it's a body milk, which in my experience are quite light, this is very moisturizing. Another thumbs up from me!



Also included in the box was a white and black striped stick of rock, very in-keeping with the theme of the box...I munched this on one of my lazy pj days! I'm really please with my first ever Birchbox...I'm wondering why I didn't cancel my Glossybox and sign up earlier! I also must say that their customer service is great, I had a query (being a new customer I wasn't familiar with some of the order processes) and their response was friendly and relatively fast. A huge new fan...

Jodie 

xoxo