Beauty | June Step Outside Birchbox

Hello Lovelies! This month Birchbox collaborated with French Sole, to create three unique box designs, one with a classic breton stripe, another with a beautiful floral watercolour design and finally this fun print one (above). If you don't know already, each month's Birchbox* costs £10.00 per month (post and packaging is an extra £2.95). I really loved the fact that you could choose which box design you wanted as it felt like a really personal touch - especially as each box comes with a cute shoe bag too. That said, I had some pretty mixed feelings about this month's box!

STYLONDON TEMPORARY METALLIC TATTOOS (£7.99)

WHAT: The new way to accessorise, whatever your age or beauty preference - these metallic tattoo transfers are the perfect way to add a stylish twist to your favourite LBD or your festival maxi dress. Not your thing? We guarantee that there will be somebody in your life who will want these when the sun is out.

HOW: See our tutorial on the next page for the full lowdown on how to apply them, not only onto your skin, but your nails too.

Last month, Birchbox had me try out fake nails, and this month I'm going out of my comfort zone yet again with temporary tattoos.  The last time I tried temporary tattoos I was super young, and plastering cute animals on my wrists which is in a completely different world to these cool metallic temporary tattoos. They can be applied really easily, and they do end up looking gorgeous. The only thing was they lasted me about a day before they started to flake off which was a real shame as I was starting to love the way they looked. 

PENHALIGON'S IRIS PRIMA (FROM £85.00)

WHAT: From heralded British fragrance house, Penhaligon's, this elegant fragrance mingles fresh Bergamot top notes with musky Sandalwood and sweet Vanilla, to evoke by the magic of prima ballerinas at the ballet. 

HOW: Spritz each wrist then dab onto your neck. Mist into hair too for long-lasting staying power. 

Hmm, I always have mixed feelings about perfume samples in Birchboxes as I feel like as you can so easily get these for free it's such a throw away sample as effectively anyone could get their hands on this without paying anything. That said, I don't mind when I discover a new fragrance I love like I did in March's box but this month I just didn't really like the fragrance at all (just not for me) so this perfume sample left me feeling super disappointed. 

COWSHED BODY LOTION IN KNACKERED COW (£20.00)

WHAT: When you're in the mood for a little pampering, this nourishing lotion moisturises and lifts the spirits thanks to its blend of soothing essential oils and beautiful fragrance.

HOW: Massage generously all over the body, using circular motions to boost circulation.

I feel like I've got so many lotions from Birchbox, but this is definitely my favourite one so far. It's super creamy but not greasy and just makes your skin feel really lovely - plus this sample size looks like it will last a long time. I'm not a big fan of the scent though! 

REN KEEP YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL INSTANT FIRMING BEAUTY SHOT (£36.00)

WHAT: Simply put - this is a shot of espresso for your complexion. The liquid matrix of hyaluronans (this is high-tech stuff!) plumps the skin and diminishes wrinkles for instantly firmer, toned skin.

HOW: Apply 2-3 drops to clean skin, or pat over your makeup if you're reapplying throughout the day.

I've only used this once, but wow, this does really do wonders to your skin. Once applied your skin looks super revitalised (my skin has been so dull and dry recently) and healthy. Definitely impressed with this sample, which is probably the fourth I've ever tried from Ren, it's just a shame the full size is so pricey! 

BEAUTY PROTECTOR PROTECT & DETANGLE (£14.00)

WHAT: Hair woes be gone! This wonder spray detangles, minimises frizz, safeguards colour and adds shine. Oh, and did we mention that it smells of candy floss and bubblegum?

HOW: Spritz onto clean, damp (about 4 - 6 inches away) and comb through. Style as normal.

I have wanted to try a Beauty Protector product for what seems like ages, and finally I've got one in my Birchbox! Honestly I'm one of those people that when it comes to hair I like to keep with the tried and tested because my hair can so easily go frizzy - it's a nightmare! I braved this last night and I'm in love - my hair feels super soft, and no frizz to be seen! Plus my hair smells so sweet and lovely - cue awkward hair sniffing. Would I buy the full size product though? I'm not really sure to be honest - £14.00 is a little bit pricey for me!

PIXI BY PETRA SHEA BUTTER LIP BALM IN HONEY NECTAR (£8.00)

WHAT: Packed with nourishing ingredients like Shea butter and Vitamin E, this pretty lip balm not only cares for parched lips but also adds a bonus pop of colour. 

HOW: Apply to lips straight from the bullet. To build colour, simply add another layer.

Yay, a full size product! At first I wasn't really loving this, it has quite an awkward shape which makes it hard to apply properly to the lips but that said it's so moisturising and creamy that I'm not sure I mind. It's also perfect for a 'no makeup' look as it gives your lips a little bit of colour too. 

Although I did love the contents of this month's box (minus the perfume) it felt a bit more empty than usual and I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with it. I think that having a perfume sample when it's not an added extra is always just a bit of a let down - so I really hope Birchbox realise this and take it on board. 

Thanks for reading lovelies! What do you think of beauty subscription boxes, are you subscribed to one?

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