BirchBox January 2015 - Size really does matter!

I received by Birchbox on Friday and it's theme this month was'Hit Refresh' i.e. get healthy and sweaty.

I'm sticking to words and pictures this month and may progress to moving images in February! Sorry but I can't comment on the smell of these products as my nose is blocked ... again!

Contents this month ...

Stila lip glaze (£15)

This is like a top coat for your lips, a glaze you would put on top of a lipstick rather than a gloss.

I got the Glitter colour which is a shear pink shimmery shade. It's rather sticky and I can't imagine this staying on the lips for very long.

I have a feeling most of the £15 goes towards the plastic packing though. You get hardly any glaze (1.5ml) and double the amount of plastic.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner (£19 full size)

Use this as you would a normal conditioner. It's for 'limp, fine or flyaway' hair, which I do not have.

I'm not keen on this brand overall. I personally think they've used their 'created for Audrey Hepburn' marketing a little too much but the proof is in the pudding so I will add an update once I use it.


Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (£45 full size)

'Evens skin tone, boosts radiance and moisturises' ... and you would hope that's exactly what it does for £45!

What I can say is the texture was lovely and smooth and it didn't take long for the moisturiser to sink into the skin leaving it feeling soft. I think to see additional benefits with most of these products you would need to use over time.



HealGel Intensive (£37.50 full size)

The squeezie tube has a very prescriptive design to it, on purpose I'm sure. It came with a foil seal on the top which was a nightmare to open so I had to pierce it with my earring.

The texture is rich, spreads well so you don't need a lot. The skin is left slightly tacky . The cream (not what I would consider a gel) is meant to 'protect, restore and smooth' irritated and sensitive skin.

For the price of a full size (30ml) I think I'll stick with Sudocrem!

Activbod Cooling Finish Lotion (full size £12)

It says 'massage into skin for an instant cooling sensation'. I tried it and it worked ... for a few seconds.

I'm not much of an exercise fan but the next time I run for the bus I'll  make sure I have this with me!





Embrace Matcha Green Tea (£24.99 for a pack)

This is green tea in a powder form to add to smoothies, juices or hot water. This sachet is one serving and a pack contains 30 servings.

After my ankle swelled the last time I drank green tea I won't be trying this but if my partner uses it I will ask him for a review.

I can't help but think teabags would be a lot cheaper!



And the Pièce de résistance ... a Birchbox Pilates Band!

Hmm ... well ... what can I say! Apparently this worth £7.99! I have no idea where they get these prices from, a pack of 3 Davina stretch bands is £8.99. For the majority of Birchbox subscribers who do not do pilates this may be a disappointment. You could use it as a headband maybe or some kinky sex aid?

So overall I was a little disappointed with the contents, it's the smallest contents sizewise although the Stila was full size .. just small. Birchbox continues to give exclusive that are usually pink, plastic and cheap. This is such a shame and I hope to write a review on the Birchbox exclusives later in the month. What freebies would you like?