I’ve dabbled in the world of beauty subscription boxes since they were first thrust onto our newsfeeds years and years and years ago. I’ve tried GlossyBox, LookFantastic’s Beauty Box and Birchbox, but never been a real ‘subscriber’ to any of them. I kind of got into the routine of allowing a few month’s worth of boxes drop through my letter box before getting completely offended by one of them, and cancelling my subscription to go looking elsewhere. The last time I ordered a Birchbox was in May of 2017, but when I spotted a discount code for a £5 box + P&P, I decided to give it another whirl. Here’s how I got on…
So for £7.95 (using the code ITS5, which I don’t think is still usable, sorry!) I renewed my subscription and the August box was sent out to me. The box was summer-themed, and you have the ‘potential’ to be sent five of the various glow balms, shower gels, body scrubs, skincare and makeup products. The products are all sample-size or travel-size, and I’ve always thought the idea that you can try smaller products before deciding to purchase the full-size version is a faaaaabulous way to discover new products. And from the line-up, I thought the brands included looked really good.
Before I get into the tea with each product, I must say that the packaging is bloody fantastic. It is ALWAYS bloody fantastic. I’m always amazed at how Birchbox manages to jazz up a small cardboard box and make it look so expensive. This month’s box is designed with a beautifully metallic Moroccan-style pattern with rich oranges, pinks and purples. It looks so warm and exotic, and I’ve left it on display in my room for the time being because it’s just so fantastically pretty to look at. But what about the products I received?
ModelCo Mermaid Glow Highlighter | £10.00
My rating: ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
I want to start off by saying how offended I am that Birchbox would have the nerve and the audacity to send me this tacky piece of plasticy-looking shite. This stuff looks like makeup for kids. To be honest, I’ve never used a single ModelCo product, and they’re not a brand that is particularly on my radar, but this is probably why. This looks like it would be in the sale at Claire’s Accessories, and the compact is so cheap-looking. I can’t imagine myself ever using this, nor anyone else who is old enough to sign up for a beauty box subscription service. Also, it’s ten quid for this usually. TEN QUID? I get that a highlighter product fits in with the summer-theme, but there must have been better options to choose from.
Balance Me Hyaluronic Plumping Mist 30ml | £18.00
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
This is one I was excited for. I tried the Balance Me Radiance Face Mask before and really really loved it, so I couldn’t wait to give this plumping mist a go. This mist contains chamomile water and hyaluronic acid to give you a quick shot of hydration. The product description also says you can use it to revive your makeup, but I’m not so sold on that one. I love that this is made with 99% natural ingredients, and the scent is quite nice. I don’t notice the plumping effect, but I’m hoping that’s just because my 24-year-old skin doesn’t need too much of it yet. It’s very refreshing though, and it does pack a strong punch of hydration.
Anatomicals Scrub Tropicana Coconut Scrub 50ml | £1.50
My rating: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
This smells lovely. This was this month’s choosy-option, and I chose the coconut scent rather than the Strawberry version. It’s also very reasonably priced on the Birchbox website, but as you can only get the 50ml version, it seems to be more of a product suited for holidays or travel. I’d also say that this isn’t the most exfoliating exfoliator I’ve ever used…it’s marketed as being gentle but it’s a little bit too gentle for me. I like to feel like I’ve removed the top four layers of my skin when I get my body scrubs out, so it was a little bit *meh*. But it smells good.
Love Beauty and Planet Tropical Hydration Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang Shower Gel 100ml | £2.50
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
I think that 100ml is an extremely generous sample-size. Even though I was a little disappointed to receive two body-wash/shower-gel/bath and body type products in one box, I think I’ll use this up quickly. I think that the ylang ylang fragrance is really lovely, and the coconut oil ingredient makes my skin feel clean and hydrated. I’d have loved to have had this on my trip to Greece earlier this summer, because the moisturising effect this has on my skin would’ve been great after a day of sunbathing and sea-swimming. It’s also receiving brownie points for being completely vegan and cruelty free!
Nuxe Purifying and Smoothing Mask 50ml | £19.50
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’ve definitely saved the best until last. I can’t even tell you how pleased I was to find this in my Birchbox! This Insta-Masque ‘resets’ your skin by purifying and hydrating. It contains white clay and rosewater (which I loooove on my skin), and it’s also a decently sized sample size. Nuxe is a brand that I’ve been meaning to try, but because it’s on the pricier side, it’s so great that now I can give it a go without spunking the best part of £20 on a full-size option. I particularly like the way that this makes my skin feel very clean, but unlike other clay masks, doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or uncomfortably dry. I’m so pleased with this!
I was actually very happy with this box in the end, because I ordered it using a discount code and I think I’ll use up all of the samples (minus that shocking highlighter which I’ll probably give to my four-year-old niece for her birthday). However, I’ve already cancelled my subscription again, because I’ve had a look at this month’s samples and they’ve left me feeling a little bit underwhelmed. I think the best way to navigate the world of beauty subscription boxes is just to keep your finger on the pulse and only order when you know there’s products in there that you’re interested in.
There’s nothing more disappointing than looking forward to a box to arrive and having it filled with cheap, boring or useless products. I should know; a few years ago I received an afro-hair product in my box, despite filling out a questionnaire on my beauty needs! So I’m just planning on keeping my eyes on the upcoming box contents and discount codes and ordering when I’m interested. I know that's kind of cheating and defeats the purpose of them, but hey, don’t hate the player, hate the game!
Lots of love,
Jasmine x
No comments
Post a Comment