For those who might not be clued up on the whole beauty box thing, it's an idea that's had it's ups and downs in the last year or so. Subscribers pay something around £10 a month to receive a box containing samples, and some full size products, from both well and little-known beauty brands.
If you're a beauty junkie it can be a great way to discover new products and brands, however in the last year several of those on the market have gone kaputt or been taken over by others. Joliebox, originating in France, was one that fell into the latter category, after it was bought out last year by American brand Birchbox.
Launched in September 2010 in the US (and now with over 300,000 monthly subscribers on the other side of the pond), Birchbox does appear to have had somewhat more longevity than a number of its counterparts. They launched in the UK this January, and so far seems to be building up a dedicated following. Each month UK Birchbox members received a personalised box filled with a curate selection of beauty and lifestyle treats, including makeup, skincare and haircare. With over 400 brand partners, including such prestigious names as Laura Mercier, Kiehl's, Benefit, Stila and Yves Saint Laurent, the calibre of product on offer is at the top end of the market.
The March box landed on my doorstep on Friday morning, and of course I immediately delved in to discover what was on offer. Themed around 'Role Models' in celebration of Mother's Day, this month's box featured hero products from a handpicked selection of brands.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the brilliant magazine. As well as interesting features such as a Q&A with MyWardrobe.com founder Sarah Curran and a behind the scenes look at Molton Brown's factory, it included pieces about the products included in this month's box, how to use them and top tips from their brand founders and make up artists. So far so good.
The products themselves were an interesting mix. The Laura Gellar Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner (full size £24.50) has already become something of a daily essential for me, swiftly replacing my regular kohl. The Birchbox team also share their tutorials on how to use it on the website.
Next up was a sample of Beauty Blender Cleanser (full size £22), the perfect little helper for keeping brushes and tools spick and span. Alongside it was the Beauty Blender Sponge (full size £24); an odd shaped, hot pink foam sponge beloved by professionals that helps create a flawless finish for foundation and concealer - definitely a keeper. The March magazine also includes a step by step guide on how to use it.
A 30ml sample of La Sultane de Saba Body Lotion (full size £26.50) was a delightful discovery from a brand I'd never heard of before. Inspired by the ancient beauty rituals of the Orient and Asia, it's enriched with Argan Oil and has the most beautifully delicate, yet slightly musky scent. Certainly a brand I will be looking into.
Not to be overlooked as sometimes the best things come in small packages, a tiny sample tube of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream (full size £19.50) was sample number 5. A bestseller in Japan since 1957, the multi-purpose medicated moisturiser initially smells of camphor, but the scent disappears after a minute or so to leave behind a hardcore moisturiser that leaves skin super-soft. Another one for the shopping list...
The final beauty sample was a small vial of scent from Molton Brown (full size £65). Although a fan of their hand and body products I'm not particularly familiar with their fine fragrances, so discovering Valbonne, combining notes of bergamot, dewy orange flower, rose, vetiver and leather was a nice surprise.
As an extra little something, the box also included a tin of Lindt Lindor. That in itself was enough to sway me into a positive review...(kidding!).
I was really impressed with Birchbox's content. Well thought-out, an interesting range of products and a perfect blend of well-known and newly-discovered brands, it's certainly something I would look into again. Compared to some others I've tried (a certain department store, for example, whose £15 beauty bag last autumn was full of tat!) it's up there with the best.
If your tempted to try a beauty box, Birchbox is the way forward. For more information visit www.birchbox.co.uk
Love Laurel x
