Birchbox October 2016 ~ Boxnip

Now first I have to confess that I have always felt a bit meh about Birchbox. It just never really appealed to me. However, I figured I should give it a fair chance and not judge it before actually subscribing to it for a few months.

I was lucky enough to make this decision right in time for October’s box, which just so happened to be astrological themed boxes. There were four astrological element box designs available, each box catering to their relevant zodiac signs. As long as you had already completed your date of birth details, you received the appropriate element for your star sign.

I’m an Aquarius so should have gotten Air but instead received the Earth box as my details were not completed for when they shipped the box. As I ordered late, my order was processed super quick – very impressive!

I do love the box design though and what’s more, they glow in the dark too! Not very useful but it’s fun! The other 3 designs were Air, Fire and Water. You can see them over on the Birchbox blog.

Also, I have to mention that I really love this drawer version of the box. I’ve not had one like this before and I really love it. Plus it will be super handy to keep afterwards for storing bits and bobs.

Anyway, let’s take a look at what’s inside October’s box in more detail.

The first items is this Rituals Hammam Body Mud | RRP £14.00 full size. For a body scrub containing clay this has a really nice refreshing scent. It will not only smooth your skin but will also purify it as it is packed with mineral rich Rhassoul Clay and zingy Eucalyptus.

For using a special code for joining up, I got this Spectrum Unicorn Tears Wonder Sponge | RRP £4.99 Can’t really go wrong with this blending sponge and I love the little zip lock bag it comes in too, handy to store it in as well.

I am quite a sucker for mist sprays as I find them refreshing and hydrating throughout the day. This Doux Me Pure Spring Mist | RRP £16.00 full size is an exclusive to Birchbox. It’s a mineral rich spring water mist and whilst it refreshes I can’t say that I thought it did much in the way of hydration for very long. There was no smell to this either but then that’s great for those that don’t like scented products.

Having a chronic illness means my sleep is often very little and very hard to come by. I’m willing to give anything a go if there is a chance it will send me off to sleep quicker or make my sleep better. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray | RRP £16.00 full size smelt nice, as it is lavender, which is known for it’s abilities to aid a restful nights sleep. However, I didn’t notice any improvement with my quality of sleep or how fast I went to sleep.

Then we have a hair product, the Number 4 Fluoro5 Elixir Restore & Repair Oil | RRP £18.00 full size. I have very long, thick hair. When I say long I mean way past my waist. This product sample went nowhere in the amount of hair I have, so it’s hard for me to say if it works or not. I’d have loved a larger sample because I didn’t see any difference with what I used. It is supposed to leave your hair shiny and sleek though.

Next we have the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream | RRP £24.00 full size. A lovely light scented moisturiser. Absorbs easily into the skin to leave it feeling hydrated and soft. It is also supposed to help smooth the appearance of fine lines too. I’d have to try it out longer to say if that is true or not.

Last but not least is this LOC X Millie Ultra-Gloss Lip Pencil in Bohemian Rose | RRP £9.00. This is a full size item and another exclusive to Birchbox. Millie Mackintosh designed and named this lip pencil. You can use this pencil to not only fill your lips but to line them as well, so no need for an extra lip liner with this. It’s very soft, and goes on easily. Provides a pretty shade of pink to the lips.

Overall Thoughts

This being my first Birchbox, I have to say I was quite impressed for the money. Whilst not all products worked for me it was still great to discover them and try them out. I mean, isn’t that the whole point of a monthly beauty box, especially one like Birchbox where it’s mostly sample sizes that you receive? I will be keeping this one for a while longer, to give it a fair try out.

I recommend if you are new to subscription boxes (and even if you’re not) that you try Birchox, it’s one of the cheapest available in the UK and you get a nice range of products to try and I love the box they come in too.

Oh, and also they have a really great Reward Point system too; you can even earn points simply by reviewing your box & products each month:-

CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES:
Each 100 reward points can be redeemed for £10.00.

Each £1.00 spent will earn 1 reward points.