Birchbox UK is the UK’s no. 1 beauty box, delivering 5 personalised products each month to suit your skin, hair and style. When subscribing you create a profile of your beauty preferences, ensuring the box contents jibe with your look and beauty routine.
FYI – if you’re looking for Birchbox US, be sure to check that out here.
September’s Birchbox UK is a partnership with much-loved British brand Oliver Bonas. The box includes a voucher for 15% off from oliverbonas.com. Score!
DEAL: Currently using this link will get you 50% off your first box.
This month’s theme is ‘work hard, play hard & be kind’. The idea is that the products work hard for you so you can relax and have fun. The ‘be kind’ thing is just a nice sentiment, I guess.
My 5 beauty treats!
And because knowledge is power, an insert provides more details about each item.
Polaar IcyMagic Instant Eye Contour Energiser (RRP £22) is a roll-on cooling gel with Siberian ginseng to eliminate puffiness, dark circles and stimulate eyelash growth. If being in my thirties has taught me anything, it’s that under-eye products really are a beauty essential! I don’t know about the claim that this will stimulate eyelash growth, but it does tone and calm undereye skin. It also feels wonderfully cool and refreshing on the skin thanks to the awesome metal roll-on applicator and zingy ginseng-enhanced formula.
Dr. PawPaw Original Clear Balm (RRP £6.95) is a fragrance-free, vegan-friendly multipurpose balm for lips, skin, nails and hair. This is basically petrolatum enhanced with olive oil, papaya fruit extract, and aloe vera. It’s tricky to say if the added ingredients contribute to the effectiveness of the product because petrolatum is an awesome moisturiser all on its own, but this does function as a great multipurpose balm, as promised.
Manna Kadar full-size Fantasy 3-in-1 Blush, Highligher, Eyeshadow (RRP £15) is a pearlised powder that adds shimmering radiance to eyes, cheeks, brows – anywhere, really! I absolutely love this product; it gives a subtle, healthy glow to my complexion without being over-the-top shiny or glittery. I was already a fan of Manna Kadar’s Glo Illuminator liquid, and this powder may just have topped it!
Benefit They’re Real! Double the Lip in Pink Thrills (RRP £16.50) is a two-in-one liner lipstick and with a teardrop-shaped tip. This reminds me of makeup a tween might use, with an over-the-top scent of fake cherries and a shade of hot pink best suited for a Barbie doll.
It is awkward to apply to the bottom lip due to the slanted tip (you are supposed to apply this upright on the top lip then flip it upside down for the bottom lip, achieving the multi-tonal effect of lined lips). This product just doesn’t do it for me, at all.
Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask (RRP £39.90) is a 10 minute treatment which claims to draw out impurities, diminish pores, regenerate skin cells and boost collagen production. This has a pleasant scent and rich, smooth consistency which feels quite luxurious. It doesn’t sting or make my eyes water like some masks do, making it one of the more comfortable ones I’ve tried. However, it did leave my skin feeling very dry afterwards, and it didn’t make my skin look bright or refreshed in the same way exfoliating clay masks do.
Oh, and there are stickers too!
All in all, Birchbox is a fun little beauty box. Who doesn’t love trying out new and interesting products? The standout for me this month is the Manna Kadar 3-in-1; I just love how it makes my skin glow. Polaar IcyMagic is a close second. What’s your fave?
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