Glossybox August 2014 | Unboxing

I always get excited for the arrival of my monthly Glossybox. I rarely see any spoilers for this one other than what's announced by Glossy themselves so it's always a surprise to see what arrives. This month marks Glossybox's third birthday so i was expecting good things.

First impressions are great. The box has changed and is now more squared off on the edges and a matte finish. A subtle change but i like it.

The information for the products also now comes on a fold out card which is great, the information is clear along with the prices. So much better.

                          Essence Long lasting lipstick £2.29 - Natural Beauty

I haven't tried any essence products as of yet and i was pleasantly surprised by this for the price. Its a lovely neutral colour that would suit any skin tone and its very moisturising. I'll be popping this into my everyday makeup bag.

Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer - full size £38 for 250ml - sample size 40ml £6.08

I haven't had chance to try this out yet but i can't wait to.

The elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn. You use it before shampooing and it's claims to deliver unrivalled elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine without weighing down or coating the hair.

Exciting stuff.

Yves Rocher Vernis Nail Polish - Full size - £3.60

Cute little polish and a lovely colour. It goes on nicely and i'll probably use it regular as a work polish. Can't complain! 

 Figs and Rouge Rose Berry Hand Cream - Full size £6.95 for 80ml - Sample size 20ml - £1.74

I have hundreds of hand creams and now i've got another one to add to the collection. I haven't even finished the last one sent by Glossy yet! 

I don't really like the scent of this, it's abit sickly so i don't think i'll get my use out of it which is a shame. I did like the Figs and Rouge lip balm that we got in a previous box though.

Lalique by L’Amour Perfume Sample, 2ml - full size £67 50ml - sample size - £1.49

A sensuous floral fragrance. A love potion for absolute seduction.

Bergamot, Rosebud, Tuberose, Gardenia, Ceder, Sandalwood

No. I just didn't like it. And i wouldn't pay £67 for it! Also, ive never used such an awful tester bottle, it went EVERYWHERE.

Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in Cashmere £12.95 for the full size 4.5g

Again, i feel like i'm building up a massive collection of highlighters through these subscription boxes. They're all lovely though and this one is a nice one to add to my makeup stash.

It's very natural, not too shimmery and can be used wherever you see fit. It would suit all complexions.

Verdict

Total value - £28.15 - pretty sure i've read somewhere that everyone was guaranteed a minimum of £30.

I'm happy with this months box, although i wont be using the perfume sample or the hand cream. I think with it being a birthday box it could have been a bit more exciting as the products are quite cheap compared to previous boxes. I'll make use of the other products though and will be staying subscribed! Bring on the next one.

Birch Box August 2014 | Unboxing

Birch Box | August 2014 | Unboxing

I'm still on the fence with Birch Box. I keep meaning to cancel it but then can't bring myself to do it incase the next box is amazing and i miss out.

This month's box still has me on the fence, i do like everything i've received this time round and probably will use all the products so maybe i'll wait til the next box to make a decision.

So the products this time, instead of arriving in the little Birch Box bag (which i am quickly building up a collection of) came in a plastic makeup bag, perfect for taking as hand luggage on holiday. This made a nice change although the clasp has broken off on mine so i had to split the bag to get into it.....

Vasanti - Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - Full size £26.00

I like this, a good facial exfoliator is always welcome in my bathroom and this one makes my skin feel amazing after use although i don't think i'd be splashing out on the full size anytime soon. Maybe something i'd consider with my reward points though.

Lumiere d'hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect spray - Full size - £20

I've yet to try this but i like the sound of it and it smells good. My curly hair is always in need of some TLC so i'm looking forwards to giving it a spritz with this on a morning. 

Wild About Beauty Powder Eyeshadow - 04 Becca - Full size £13.00

This is lovely, i like the shade ,i love the packaging & the fact theres a mirror provided. You can probably tell i've used this a couple of times already. Its the perfect neutral shade. I was surprised to see it was created by Louise Redknapp.

Dead Sea Spa Magic Refreshing Bath & Shower Gel - Full size £7.15

This smells gorgeous, just like the sea. Its very relaxing although i haven't got a bath to use it in so i've been using it in the shower. It gives a really nice lather but for £7.15 i'm not sure i could make the full size stretch to being worth it.

Supergoop CC Cream - Daily Correct - Light/Medium - Full size - £32.00

I havent tried this as of yet but the colour is nice and it adapts well to skin tone. I usually just stick to Clinique as i don't like to change up my foundation very often but i'll give this a go. I'm glad they've provided two of these and one 3ml sample wouldn't have gone very far. 

The Proposal - Tasmina Perry - £7.99

As a lifestyle extra this month we have a sample chapter of The Proposal written by Tasmina Perry. I do like to read but i haven't managed to even open this yet to see what its about. I think its a great idea to provide a chapter and i think you can really get a feel as to whether you want to purchase it or not.

Verdict

Im happy with this months box but it really annoys me how difficult it is to figure out the value of the box as Birch rarely provide full size items. The eyeshadow is full size this time so the box definitely breaks even but i don't really know where to begin to start figuring out the value of all the samples. I'll be sticking around for next months box.

If you want to subscribe to Birch Box you can do so at www.birchbox.co.uk