They shoot, they score!
Well, BirchBox has just gone and done it again, putting together another awesome box that really knocks it out of the park! The idea behind this particular box is global beauty, inspired by the World Cup taking place, if you live under a rock, in Brazil! I have to say, I’m not in the slightest a football fan, and when I did try and watch the England game last night, I fell asleep before half-time, but I am loving that the competition means that everyone is suddenly Brazil crazy! There are plenty of Samba beats on the radio, some awesome programmes on the telly, a bit of Beckham, anyone?, and this fantastic Brazilian offering from BirchBox, who’ve even themed their pouch on the hosts colours!!
But that’s enough rambling from me, let’s get on to the all important products! There seems to have been quite a bit of variation in products this month, but I haven’t seen a box I wouldn’t like to have received yet. There’s a great range of products here, and the little flip-flop key-ring is a really cute accessory that adds that extra bit of fun to the box this month.
BeautyBlender and Solid Cleanser – £26.00
BirchBox really read my mind here, as I’ve been dying to get a hold of one of these for ages! This product also demonstrates why BirchBox is such great value, as already the box price has been matched twice over by the value of the BeautyBlender (representing the US), which you can buy for yourself here! Fabulous! It’s really great to see such an iconic product make an appearance. The idea is the egg shaped sponge can be used for easy stippling, and it’s shape means it can get into hard to reach contours. I haven’t used it myself yet, but I know so many people who swear by it that I just can’t wait! The little box also contains a block of solid cleanser for the sponge – just add some water and you’re good to go. This is great for travelling, as who wants to waste their liquid allowance on make-up brush cleaners?
Naobay Body Radiance Lotion – £12.95 for 250ml
This is a Spanish brand I hadn’t previously heard of, but this lotion contains olive oil, avocado oil, shea butter and aloe, so lots of goodies for the skin! My skin felt lovely and smooth after using this, so I’d really recommend it on that basis, although I wasn’t overly keen on the smell. It didn’t exactly smell bad, but it definitely wasn’t a scent I wanted to sniff all day! However, it does claim to be organic, with 99% of ingredients coming from natural sources, so that’s a good thing. You can pick it up here for slightly less than BirchBox listed it at (£14), and the wooden packaging certainly looks striking!
TheBalm Cosmetics How About Them Apples? Cheek and Lip Cream – £26 for palette
I have a funny feeling that this was used in a box before, not too long ago. I didn’t receive it then, so I’m quite happy to have another chance to experience it, but I can see it being quite annoying if some soul gets it in their box twice. However, the packaging is really cute, and it is a lovely wee sample. As a new convert to cream blush I have fallen instantly in love, and am considering picking up the palette when it’s back in stock.
The shade ‘pie’ is a lovely bright pink colour, and the formula is so creamy it is really easy to blend. It feels like I’ll get quite a bit of use out of this sample size which really bodes well for the longevity of the palette. TheBalm (again team USA) seem to be popping up everywhere these days, and I really am turning into something of a fan. Their packaging is absolutely adorable retro-chic, and, if all of their products meet expectations as well as these blushes, they are going to become a firm fixture in my beauty regime.
Caudalie Vinoperfect SPF Day Perfecting Fluid – £38.00 for 40ml
Given the price of the product this 10ml sample is uber generous! There is a really fine nozzle on the tube, which is great to restrict the amount of product you squeeze out, as a little really does go a long way. The smell is quite clinical, but it absorbs quickly into the skin, and feels very hydrating. I’ve only been using this for a few days, but have noticed that my skin does appear to be smoother. It also contains SPF 15, and it’s always great to see skincare that really does take care of your skin. I’m not sure whether I could afford to buy this again, but if your purse-strings are freer than mine it is a really great product and it’s available here. Allez les bleus!
O P I Nail Laquer – The Brazil Collection – Liquid Sand – £14.50 for mini-set
HURRY! YOU CAN GET THIS SET FOR £5.75 AT CHEMIST DIRECT. GO NOW!
Ahem.
Not to pick bones or anything, but team USA are at it again! Ok, ok, it’s a very fitting homage to Brazil, all these gorgeous colours! I was lucky enough to receive Samba-dy Loves Purple, great names!, and I can’t get enough of it.
I’ve always wanted to try the liquid sand formula, but was a bit scared that I’d hate the texture – who wants sandpaper nails? However, the texture is not a problem at all, as although it is grainy, I really wouldn’t describe it as rough. The particles also catch the light for a little glitter without having a too full-on effect. I’ve yet to see how hard-wearing it is, but it’s such a special shade I’d doubt I’d use it as my everyday.
So there we go! Another great month from BirchBox – plenty of goodies for me to play with! I absolutely can’t wait until next month!
What did you think of BirchBox this month? Did you enjoy it as much as me? Let me know in the comments!! xx
Amber Ablaze 