How I feel about Beauty Boxes // feat. July Birchbox

Birchbox £13pm*

I remember when Beauty boxes first made an appearance. I subscribed to Glossy Box before it was released, and received about 10 boxes from them before unsubscribing as soon as they added a postage cost. The boxes were getting further and further away from the 'luxury samples' it promised to deliver, and when I complained about the 50p packet of bath salt and the mini batiste, my emails were ignored and mine, and many others, Facebook messages were removed. Since then, I vowed never to sign up to any other beauty box. They may seem alluring but after a while your sample size grows to a point of stupidness and all of a sudden its hard to keep up - I figured it'd be better to save that £10 per month to buy something I actually wanted. 

But... I do really miss the excitement, the monthly advent calender feeling, and the occasional new product that I'd fall in love for. After all, if it wasn't for beauty boxes, I never would've tried Alterna's Rapid Repair Spray, which is still one of my all time favourite products. That feeling of fun was felt once again when this pretty little Birchbox* arrived. 

Expecting the worst, I'm glad to say that inside, my nervous excitement was met with a good balance of products. Skincare, haircare, and make up. And no nonsense bath salts or well known cheap brands here. I'm aware of 'Weleda' and 'The Balm' but this heavy moisturiser is the perfect size for my handbag. The blush is a brand I've never actually tried before, and I'm glad I've tried because this super-pigmented blush rivals high end - Though I reckon this sample will last ages! The gel eyeliner probably isn't something I'd repurchase (just because I have so many) but its dark purple colour makes such a welcome change from black, and I adore the brush-in-lid concept. This will definitely get used up! The leave in hair conditioner spray, I'm currently on the hunt for mainly because it smells delicious. 

This is what beauty boxes should be about - An introduction to new brands, with luxury sized samples that you will actually use to the end without cluttering up your drawers. Included was even a little magazine. Now I'm itching to sign up! 

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes?

What do you think of them?

S xx