Beauty: April Birchbox (Good Enough to Eat)

I was really excited to try Birchbox when they contacted me and sent me April's 'Good enough to eat' package. I've heard a lot about these monthly beauty/lifestyle subscription boxes but never tried one myself, as I was always a little sceptical about them. I never really knew what would be inside, and if I would get my money's worth. I also thought that I wouldn't benefit from most of the products as I am personally not a big 'beauty junkie'. Well, I was wrong!

This month, inspiration was taken from local food marked, the kitchen and favourite eateries. April's samples (mini sized versions of the actual full priced products) feature delicious scents and foodie elements...

 

I got my cute little (but decent sized!) box in the post, and as soon as I opened it I got a rather pleasant surprise...

The box was beautifully packaged with all the mini contents inside of a Birchbox branded cloth pouch. I opened the soft pouch and inside was a lovely selection of really cool products!

It contained TheBalm Cosmetics Cheek & Lip Cream, Yes to Cucumber face wipes, Color Club nail varnish, Lord & Berry kohl eye pencil, and (drum roll please...) a Laura Mercier Souffle Body cream!!!! Uhhmm helloooo this stuff is EXPENSIVE...and I couldn't believe it's in this little box of goodies!

Even though the sample is small, it's big enough to last for weeks...

This Birchbox-exclusive candy coloured nail varnish is from a collection of 4, and from a collaboration with fashion blogger Gala Gonzalez - plus it came in one of my favourite summer colours!

I've already tested the eyeliner and it didn't smudge as much as my other ones during the day so I loved it.

The cheek & lip cream came in an adorable little vintage-inspired magnet palette, and was surprisingly strong in colour. Perfect for handbags and girls on-the-go as it's so handy. It was the one product that I wouldn't personally use, but the great thing about Birchbox is that they can personalise your boxes based on your tastes.

The cucumber wipes were great to pop into my bag and use to soothe and cleanse my skin when staying at a friends house or if I needed to re-apply my make-up.

Another really cute sample in the Birchbox was a ProperCorn bag, Sweet Coconut & Vanilla flavoured. Rather strange but yummy taste!! I must say that I wouldn't have bought this in the store but having tried it now I definitely would.

And it doesn't end there...Birchbox pack all the product info in your goody box, as well as fun postcards with things like recipes, beauty tips, events, activity suggestions and a chance for you to win the contents of the box in full size.

Their website is engaging too...with a blog detailing more info about the products, a magazine, and a shop where you can buy them in full size.

I was really pleased and pleasantly surprised with my little box, and I think this is a really great gift for a friend, mum or auntie (or you!). At only £10 a month, anyone could afford it and their friend would get a lovely surprise every month...brilliant idea.

A Birchbox is £10 a month (+£2.95 p&p) and you can subscribe for yourself or a friend on www.birchbox.co.uk for as long or as little as you want (and cancel any time).

Beauty: Beach holiday

What I'll be taking with me to Croatia on Tuesday...

1. I'm a new found fan of Simple products and their facial wipes are great. They're cheap, they last for ages, they're just wet enough, they don't make my eyes itch and they 100% remove all makeup and dirt - perfect! I prefer to take this on holiday as it's easier when I can't be bothered with the whole cleansing routine. £3.25

2. It's no secret that St. Ives Apricot Scrubs are UK's No1 in their field, and it's definitely not a surprise. With 100% natural exfoliants and extracts, the facial and body scrubs guarantee smoother skin within seven days. It definitely works, and this big pot lasts for months as you only need to use it about 2-3 times a week. Essential for holiday and for prepping skin for a nice, durable tan! £5.49

3. Love this body butter from Soap & Glory...there are so many body butters and moisturizers out there but this one just feels a little different...it makes me feel so cozy after a shower and smells great and different to any other moisturizer I've had. It absorbs perfectly and my skin feels great for hours. Moisturizing is another essential step after a nice scrub and shower, to prolong that summer glow. £9

4. Another product recommended by a friend who's a beauty junkie...the Piz Buin Tan & Protect sun lotion. It's really expensive at xx and I still need to see whether it works, but apparently it's the best thing out there to enhance your tan and make it last. Sun protection is really important (especially against wrinkles!) so I got this one in an SPF 30. £17.49

5. I'm sure a lot of people use this and know about it, but the Aussie shampoo gives my hair a silky and weightless feeling...and the smell is amazing! £4.49

6. Ahhh the Laura Mercier matte bronzer makes yet another appearance. I have to say it's the best one out there, stays on all day and there is a waiting list for it so all those people must be right! £23

7. I LOOOOVEEE this Nars lip pencil and all the great shades they have. It's my favourite staple piece of make-up that I put on when I'm going out and it stays in for hours no matter what you eat...or do :) £17.50

8. There are lots of cheaper eyeshadow palettes and sets out there, but I love my Chanel smoky eye set. It's really easy to apply either just with a finger or brush, and stays on really well. I've had mine for years as I don't use it that often, but you don't need a lot to apply so it's worth the pennies! £37

So there we go...a round up of some of my favourite products to take with you on holiday. Everyone is different and likes different colours, brands and make-up looks so it's worth experimenting a little before you start buying the expensive stuff! I totally agree that some cheaper products are great such as eyeliner, nail polish, etc. but I also have to say that it's worth paying a little extra for the staples such as foundation, brushes, mascara (I use Dior Diorshow) and bronzer.