Long-time readers of countryfille.com (*waves*) will know I’ve been getting the Glossybox subscription for a while. It was my first foray into the beauty box subscription model, courtesy of my fairy mother-in-law (yes, I know, I struck gold).
As a bonafide beauty junkie (and ex-Beauty editor who’s missing her daily fix) I have loved getting a ‘present’ each month – it’s introduced me to new brands I now love and filled up my travel bag with some handy-sized versions of my ol’ favourites from names such as Dermalogica, Murad and Bliss.
When I heard Birchbox were launching in the UK I was intrigued to see how the US beauty box with a serious cult following Stateside would compare. I had high-hopes as I already knew some of their 400 brand partners included heavy-weights such as Laura Mercier, Yves Saint Laurent, Benefit, L’Oreal and Kiehl’s.
Here’s the inaugural UK box I sampled:
Fresh sugar rose lip treatment (full size £15.50) – I *love* Fresh so was chuffed to see this included. This mini lip treatment is a super glossy lip balm with a hint of sheer colour and SPF15.
KMS California Free Shape blow dry spray (full size £13.50) – a dual-layer blow dry mist to a/ detangle b/ shorten drying time – my super long locks have put this stuff through it’s paces but yep, true to it’s word they are softer and drier, quicker.
WEI jujube age control serum (full size £60) – difficult to review as the teeny tiny tube only held 3-4 applications but a super light-weight serum that sunk straight in with a nice, hydrating feel. An interesting brand that wouldn’t have otherwise been on my radar.
Wild romantic body butter (full size £6.50) – as the cheapest element in the box I thought this sample could have been more generous. It was one of those tiny 5g pots you get from any make-up counter with some body butter squeezed into it. There was only enough to do half my body which was actually probably a good thing as I didn’t love the rather overpowering, spicy smell.
I Coloniali Deep Body Massage Cream with Myrrh (full size £35) – This on the other hand was a-mazing. Velvety soft limbs, sweetly scented. Definitely the product I would buy from the box.
Added extra: A nice bonus was a sachet of Teapigs super fruit tea which I sipped whilst flicking through Birchbox magazine:
This was a great little ‘extra’ that I was really impressed by. It’s not just blurb about that month’s box but tutorials, trend forecasts and interviews with beauty buffs. They have incorporated some of the box’s contents into the ‘how-to’ articles which is a great idea if you have no clue as to how to get the best out of a new product.
Another plus point for Birchbox vs. Glossybox is that by interacting with the brand and leaving feedback on your monthly haul you can earn point to spend in their e-shop. Refer friends or purchase full-size items and you’ll earn more points, too.
So, with both priced at £10/mth plus P+P how do they stack up? I think month on month you would see your loyalty shift, depending on the contents of the boxes and what brands/products appeal to you but for the added extras and the brands that Birchbox work with, it’s a winner for me.
www.birchbox.co.uk
