January 'Hit Refresh' Birchbox Review

I've lost count of how many times I've watched unboxing videos or read about subscription boxes, so I was so excited when I finally got to try my first, the Birchbox*. This was sent to me by the lovely people at Birchbox, so a big thank you to them for letting me try it out. In true January fashion, Birchbox have partnered up with Women's Health magazine for their 'Hit Refresh' box, which encourages you to make a fresh start to the new year. I love the theme of this box, especially as in January I always feel a little run down, so I'm definitely looking for a way to refresh and feel better about myself which this month's box is all about. 

With the box came instructions and prices of all the products (will post those details below), a discount code for Women's Health magazine and this adorable little booklet with 12 challenges you can set for yourself. The booklet contains challenges like sitting smarter or switching up your hairstyle by trying out braids, plus each challenge has a cute little space to check it when you've completed the challenge too. 

PILATES BAND (£7.99)

WHAT Tone, increase strength, and improve muscle endurance with this stretchy resistance band

HOW Incorporate into your workout for extra resistance and faster results!

I've watched a few unboxings of this month's box, and loved how many people got confused about what this is - most of them thinking it was a headband of some kind. A year or so ago I did a pilates course, so immediately realised what it is when I saw it. Personally I'm not very into fitness at all, but I love the fact that you can use this in your home for exercises, so it is perfect for anyone (like me) who doesn't like to go out of their way to be active. As a nice added touch, the birchbox booklet also tells you of some exercises you can do with the band, so I will definitely have to try out those later. 

EMBRACE MATCHA GREEN TEA (£24.99 - full pack)

WHAT Our new favourite superfood, matcha is 100% natural with 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea!

HOW Take 1/2 teaspoon and whisk into hot and cold water, or blend into smoothies and juices

If you've been reading my blog lately, you'll know that I went to a blogger's event (only last Sunday) completely dedicated to Matcha and what an amazing ingredient it is, so needless to say I was very happy to find this in my box. I tried this out by mixing it into hot water, and I just loved it. I could tell from the taste that it was really good quality, and it made me feel so refreshed afterwards! This might not be something that every birchbox customer enjoyed, but personally I thought it was a lovely addition to the box  - but I am a massive fan of matcha so I may be biased!

STILA LIP GLAZE (£15.00)

WHAT A coveted, suits-all-complexions colour - this sheer gloss is a cult classic for a reason!
HOW Twist the click-pen until the product starts to emerge at the top, then paint your lips using the brush

A few years ago my friend bought me a Stila lip gloss, but since then I haven't tried any of their products at all, so it was nice to try the brand out again. I'll be honest I'm not the biggest fan of lip glosses which this is essentially as I find them a bit too sticky and don't really like the way they feel - plus they get everywhere! But I did like this lip glaze. It has a nice shimmery finish that looks lovely over a nude lipstick or lip balm. It also smells lovely too and I love that it has a brush rather than a standard applicator as you can really apply it well to your lips. The only thing is I'm really not a lip gloss user, so this will only be used rarely. 

SHAVEWORKS THE COOL FIX (£11.00)

WHAT This genius cooling gel lotion treats ingrown hairs, razor bumps and redness after hair removal

HOW Apply generously to dry, cleansed skin after waxing or shaving or pop in your gym bag for a post-workout cool down

This is the only product I haven't really tried out, as I luckily don't have razor burn or anything like that at the moment. However, it smells very refreshing, and feels nice and cool on the skin so will be helpful when I have any problems with shaved skin. This is definitely a nice product to have as it's a decent size and will definitely come in handy. 

PHILIP KINGSLEY FLAKY/ITCHY SHAMPOO (£21.00)

WHAT An award-winning formula that soothes and relieves itchy scalps, and leaves hair super shiny!

HOW Lather, rinse and repeat (if needed!). Use daily when necessary, then at regular intervals

Funnily enough I always have problems with my scalp being itchy, so I saw this and was so happy as this is a big problem for me. I tried this out (the bottle contains one use) and I've already found that my scalp feels less irritated and itchy. It's just a shame that the sample bottle is so small, as it's hard to know if you really love a shampoo from just one use.  

ACTIVBOD FEEL GREAT SHOWER CONCENTRATE (£5.00)

WHAT Refreshing sea minerals and green tea mingle with soothing almond oil for an energising post-workout shower

HOW Massage onto damp skin and rinse away

I want to say I used this after a long hard workout, but the truth is I didn't. Instead I used this on a tired lazy Thursday evening to try and revitalise myself. It has a lovely refreshing scent and definitely made my skin feel lovely and refreshed. This isn't a product I would buy for myself though, as I'm really not a shower gel girl, so this product was a bit of a miss for me, simply because it's not something I'm interested in. 

CAUDALIE VINOPERFECT RADIANCE SERUM (£45.00)

WHAT This oil-free serum evens skin tone, boosts radiance, and moisturises for a glowing complexion

HOW After cleansing, smooth a thin layer onto your face. Use alone or beneath moisturiser

This is by far the most expensive product in the box - so it was nice to try out such a high end product. I couldn't really tell that much from only using it once, but I loved how light it felt on my skin and it definitely made it look brighter and more radiant. Serums aren't really something I use, or have ever used so it was nice to try one out for the first time. 

All in all, I was pretty happy with my first ever subscription box. I think the theme is perfect for January as most of us (me included) want a fresh and healthy start to the year, so I like that this box encourages us to that and even gives us little tips on things we can try out. I also love that I got to try out things that I wouldn't pick out for myself, and sample new brands that I may buy from in the future. 

What do you think of beauty subscription boxes? Did you get this month's Birchbox? Let me know in the comment section below. If you want to subscribe to Birchbox, click this link here, it costs £10.00 per month and the subscription can be cancelled at any time, so you don't have to worry about committing! Have a great Friday lovelies!

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