Birchbox May 2018: Palm Leaves and Warm Breeze
Just when you thought Birchbox* couldn’t get any better, they go and bring us with their best box ever. How can something that looks this pretty be a disappointment?! (Spoiler alert: It’s not!) There’s a reason why they’re the UK’s Number 1 Beauty Box.
With the running theme of ‘Palm Leaves and Warm Breeze’, the May 2018 Birchbox marks the celebration of warmer days ahead… that’s perfect timing since we’ve just had the most amazing weather this May Bank Holiday! Long may it continue! I mean, I hope it’s not a lot to ask for but if it remains like this for the rest of the month, we’ll be laughing.
As soon as I unwrapped (read: ripped open!) the parcel box to reveal my gifted Birchbox, my eyes lit up when I saw a leafy watercolour print on a pastel pink background. How Instagrammable, I thought. Of course, that seems to be my default thought for everything these days. It’s a habit that I may or may not cut out – I haven’t decided yet.
The contents of the May 2018 edition Birchbox consists of five beauty samples and an Elizabeth Scarlett eye mask; an exclusive to Birchbox, which can be purchased for an additional £14.00 (RRP £20).
Native Unearthed
Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm
It was only a few months ago when I first heard about deodorant balms, but thanks to Birchbox, this is the first time I’ve tried it. Deodorants, as I’m sure you all know, are usually made with a bunch of chemicals but Native Unearthed has developed a natural deodorant balm made with an all-natural cream with a barely-there fragrance. It has a hint of mint when you first apply it to skin but it’s gone within seconds. A deodorant balm sounds a bit odd to begin with, but it works in the same way as a spray to form an invisible barrier to keep sweat and bad odours away.
The key ingredients are arrowroot for it’s sweat-absorbing properties, coconut oil for it’s antibacterial goodness, and the ever-soothing, the ever-moisturising shea butter. And of course, the ingredient of the moment in all things health and beauty at the moment; activated charcoal.
Eyeko
Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Eyeko brings back good memories for me because when I first started reading blogs, it was one of those brands that beauty bloggers raved about (remember Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow?). For a while now, they have banished their quirky, pink, kawaii branding for high-end sophistication but even so, every time I come across Eyeko, it takes me back OG beauty blogging of 2010.
Liquid eyeliners are my desert island luxury (what beauty product would you bring with you if you were stranded on a desert island?) so this is a welcome addition for my ever-growing collection of liquid eyeliners.
Doucce
Luscious Lip Stain
I’ve become more experimental with lip products lately and I swear by YSL lipsticks as of late. I’ve even dropped the sheen for a satin finish (and sometimes even matte! Who even am I?!) but I’ve yet to get to grips with a lip stain. It’s not because I don’t like them, but because I haven’t found one that isn’t drying. Unfortunately, I don’t think this one by Doucce is going to change my life any time soon, sadly.
It’s a decent enough lip stain. It applies matte and is quick to dry, but the finish flattering on my lips, even when it gradually becomes a stain. Not one that I would rush to buy full size but I will certainly look at what other product the brand offers! It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of it – and that’s the beauty of these monthly subscription boxes, it introduces you to new brands.
Nuxe
Aquabella Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel
Hurrah! A Nuxe sample that isn’t their Prodigieux Dry Oil. Their Aquabella Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel is a daily use cleanser that leaves your skin clean and free from impurities. I actually love every product I’ve tried from Nuxe (apart from the dry oil, I’d be happy if I never saw it again!) so I reckon I might like it enough to buy the full size product and make it a part of my permanent skincare routine.
Greenfrog Botanic
Geranium & Peppermint Botanical Bodywash
This brand is right up my street. Made with nature and sustainability in mind, this brand offers products that are suitable for vegans. I’m not a stranger to brands like Greenfrog, but if you’re new to ‘green’ products, then you’ll find the scent a bit unusual. It’s almost-medicinal herbal fragrance takes some getting used to.
You’ll also find that it doesn’t lather up as much as you’d expect, and this is because it doesn’t feature SLS, the chemical that are in most shower gels and shampoos to give it the lather-y bubbles. However, rest assured that it is still cleansing… just in a more gentle way.
Birchbox cost £10 per month (plus postage and packaging) and you can sign up here.
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Oh this looks so fab! really need to sign up for this subscription box!
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie xx
I dunno if its just me but i never really understood the point of these boxes? yes you might get something good one month but its sometimes far and few between
http://www.beautyandtheboy.com
Originally, the idea was to allow subscribers to try high end brands before the commit to the full size product. Along the way, this concept got diluted and I found that a service like Glossybox never stuck to their word – but Birchbox always have niche and high end brands each month. Whilst there are the odd box that doesn't impress, I feel that Birchbox has often delivered in theme, overall design, and the brands they choose to partner with each month. x