After one month, I was completely hooked on these beauty boxes. They’re like a drug. Seriously, I was flying high when my boxes arrived in the post and couldn’t wait to rip them open and have a play with the products inside. The excitement is dizzying! But which one was better?
BIRCHBOX
This month’s Birchbox wasn’t as good as February’s and to be perfectly honest, I was a little disheartened with some of the products. I’d still massively recommend getting one because the sheer thrill of receiving it in the post is worth every penny. Here’s the skinny on my products…
- Benefit They’re Real! Double the Lip
There was the option to choose between two colours of this mini lipstick and liner duo; Lusty Rose or Pink Thrills. I chose Lusty Rose, but unfortunately received Pink Thrills. A pink lipstick is always handy, so I didn’t kick up a fuss, but what’s the point in asking customers to choose a colour if it isn’t going to be listened to? This is a miniature version of this product and it’s pretty teeny. I also didn’t see much of a difference in my lips and the colour looks pretty gaudy against my ghost-girl skin. Plus, Benefit are rather shady about their animal testing policy, which suggests only bad things. Step up your game, Benefit!
- Balance Me Instant Lift Primer
I get that primers are meant to be completely essential and basically the holy grail of makeup prep, but I’m not wholly convinced thus far. This one was no exception! It just seems to create a film over the top of my moisturiser that results in my makeup going flaky. Now, I’m no primer pro, but I know that’s certainly not the point of these potions.
- Rituals Foaming Shower Gel
I actually really enjoyed this product. It’s a refreshing, floral shower gel that instantly changes into a light and fluffy foam upon contact with your skin. It’s a bit odd, I won’t lie, and I did feel an overwhelming urge to shave every inch of skin it touched, but maybe that’s just me… I’ve used the entire sample and after learning that they’re cruelty-free and veggie friendly, I’ll definitely be buying more of their products in the future.
- Batiste 2-in-1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner
Now, I adore Batiste’s regular dry shampoo; they’re vegan (always a plus) and they work well at adding volume to my fine, limp hair between washes, but this new offering of theirs is the WORST thing I’ve ever used. It’s like a little tin of hell designed to make you look like you’ve washed your hair with chip fat. I made the mistake of spraying this on my hair before work and cringed all day. AVOID.
- Caudalie Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum
This product is meant to brighten dull skin and rescue you from fine lines. I’ve used it a few times, but not consistently so it’s probably unfair of me to comment but so far, it just doesn’t seem to do anything. It’s an extra thing to have to faff about with in the morning. Snore. I’ll use the rest of the sample and see how it goes, but for now, I’m not in love.
GLOSSYBOX
Well, Glossybox knocked it out of the park this month! Opening this box was like Christmas day, there were so many amazing products inside! That pink box is ridiculously exciting; it’s so swanky and beautifully presented, just feeling it in your hands causes dancing butterflies. Seriously, can you get high off beauty products?!- Sleek Makeup Eye and Cheek Palette (full size)
This cruelty-free, compact palette is such a joy. There are four eye shades and two cheek colours to mix, match and create with, plus there was the option to choose between four colour combinations. I opted for All Day Soiree (and got it – take note, Birchbox!) which is brilliant for my Casper the Friendly Ghost complexion. The palette retails at £10, which is the cost of an entire Glossybox – BARGAIN.
- Thisworks In Transit Camera Close-up
I know I said primers weren’t really my thing, but Thisworks just know their shit. In fact, I’m not entirely sure whether this is actually a primer, serum or little tube of magic. You can apply it over the top of your moisturiser and it seems to blur pores and give a little plumpness to your skin. Apparently, Victoria Beckham is a big fan and anything that’s good enough for a Spice Girl is good enough for me.
- Oolution Eye Love (full size)
This is a 100% natural formula that’s free from palm oil, so not only is it pretty fab for giving your under-eye area some love, it’s not too shabby for the planet, either. I have quite dry skin under my eyes and this is brilliant at adding some much needed moisture. The downside? It’s £30. Ouch.
- Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Keratin Restore Shampoo (full size)
Hair-care has a new idol and it’s keratin. This new, coveted ingredient apparently creates new bonds within the hair fibres, which then makes your hair stronger, smoother and in turn, repairs damage. All this shampoo did for my hair was make it limp, flyaway and greasy after 24 hours. I imagine if you have thick or coarse hair, then this might work wonders for you, but if your hair is thin, stay away from it. It’s also £13 a bottle, which is so not worth it when it doesn’t deliver on its promises.
- [Comfort Zone] Sublime Skin Serum
I feel like this month, I was bombarded with primers and serums! This one, at full price is £78, so I was expecting some kind of sorcery. It’s okay, it hydrates well but it’s definitely not something I’d spend that kind of money on!
MARCH’S WINNER? Without a doubt, it’s Glossybox. I got THREE full sized products with a combined value of £53! I loved the range of products and the fact that they sent a makeup palette from a company that’s cruelty-free. The value and glossiness (see what I did there?) was just unbeatable. Sorry, Birchbox!
Thanks for reading, my makeup loving chums!
Jess XO
The Benefit lipstick was also a huge disappointment for me! There is literally no difference in my lips. The two shades just blend together. Great post!