My May Birchbox arrived last Monday, and this is my final one as my yearly subscription has ended. The week was a busy one, so it actually remained unopened for a few days. Hopefully, I will have some exciting news in a couple of months to share, but I've also been particularly busy at work and have done quite a bit of overtime. Unlike previous months, my heart really was not into receiving it and seeing what it was inside. Hopefully that's just because there are other exciting (and busy) things going on in my life at the moment, although I have been disappointed with my previous boxes.
For those that do not know, Birchbox is a beauty subscription box; each month, subscribers receive a box with approximately five sample or full-size beauty or skincare products. This month's box's theme is "Free Your Mind", and the idea is to try different types of products that you normally would not try. In addition, we had two extras this month. One was a box of coloured pencils, which could be used to colour in the design on the box. Subscribers were encouraged to post their artwork onto social media websites. I did find the coloured pencils a little difficult to use to colour on the box, but I did try.
I received the following items:
WAH London Press On Nails: These false nails come in a pack of twenty-four. Some subscribers were able to select their product, which could be press-on nails or a nail art pen or polish. I was not able to make a selection, unfortunately, based on initial beauty profile survey answers. If I had been, I'd have gone for the nail art pen as that is a product that I've always wanted to try. I received these 'silver with black writing' designed press-on nails, which I did try to wear to a party. I did not like the way these looked on me, and they are also impractible. Forget about needing to use your hands to 'pinch' anything (putting in earrings or unwrapping sweets) or using your mobile phone or touch screen or keyboard. I have seen women wear long nails like this, and I've never understood it. I had the nails on for about 3 hours before I decided that I could not tolerate them anymore, and they came off. I'll be giving the remainder of this product away.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Tinted Moisturiser (in 01 light): The next item that I received was a brand that I have previously received in at least two of my other Birchboxes. I'm not crazy about the brand, but I know a lot of girls love it. I used this product in place of my foundation, and it's not as thick as foundation. The product was ok, but I really did not sense that my skin felt more moisturised after using it.
Le Soin Repulpant Absolution Youth Activator Mask: This product promises to moisurise skin and make it look younger. When I massaged the product onto my skin, I was reminded of the smell of licorice. My skin feels cleaner, but other masks have the same effect. As far as making skin look younger, I do have a difficult time believing in products that promise this.
Parlor moisturising sea salt spray: We have had quite a number of hair products in previous boxes, so I was not too excited about this at first. This spray promises to add texture and volume, and it lived up to the promise. The product also smells nice, and I enjoyed using it. It's one of the better hair styling products I've used.
Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Reconstructing (hair) mask: This hair mask is the second sample extra that every subscriber received in this month's box. The product is 75ml and was a one-use product for me. This mask contains shea butter and sunflower seed to moisturise and strengthen hair. It did leave my hair feeling silky and moisturised, and I also noticed that my hair was shiny. Overall, it's a good product but is fairly expensive to similar products that produce the same result.
Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo (in Martinique): This is a dual-colour bronzer powder, and it contains mango and argan butter for moisturising. When applied, it added a light tan shade. I like the product.
What's my verdict this month? Again, some of the products were ok, but I was underwhelmed. Like previous boxes, I preferred the selection of products that other subscribers received. I would have choosen the nail art pen as I've never believed in false nails as they are impractical, least of all because I am a web developer and need to use the keyboard and touch-screen devices in order to do my job! I also would have preferred the Whish moisturiser in almond as I received the lavender scent last year and I loved it. I also would have liked to try the nail polish remover because I often struggle with removing nail polish.
My subscription was an annual one, and it's now over. However, I do have some Birchbox points (from filling out surveys) to use, so I may subscribe for a one-off box so that I can accumulate and use the remainder of my points on beauty or skincare products that I would like to try. After that, I'll be discontinuing my reviews and using up what I've received. I have felt a little underwhelmed and was tired of repeat products and repeat brands.
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