In my latest Birchbox review I was contemplating cancelling my subscription as I wasn’t too happy with the contents of the boxes yet somehow I was drawn into staying subscribed as I received an email with the promise of a Benefit Bad Gal Bang mascara in my next box.
The idea behind the March Birchbox was mindfulness and ‘be present not perfect‘. Birchbox were celebrating the importance of me time and the art of self-care, which so many of us forget to do day in and day out. ‘After all, mindfulness is all about being full in the moment, pulling free from pressure to always push harder and strive for perfection’. Birchbox advises that we should all take the time to sit back and relax and use products that not only help you look good but also feel great.
Obviously I couldn’t wait to see what Bad Gal Bang (£21.50 8.5g) was like and if it could live up to it’s promises of giving you bigger bolder lashes that defy gravity. Especially after seeing all the influencers being taken to the Maldives for the launch of the product. In all honesty though, it didn’t wow me, I can agree that it is a volumising mascara but it can get a little clumpy and if you’re not careful you might be left with spidery eyelashes which is something I certainly don’t want, that might be your cup of tea though.
Next up was the Blaq Peel Off Mask (£14.00 60ml) which I obviously didn’t read up about before using it because I washed it off when I used it the first time round…. However, if you actually read the instructions and use it properly I’m sure the mask will live up to expectations and draw out impurities and toxins and will work to help purify the skin.
Then I received the Manna Kadar Cosmetics Radiance Split Pan Bronzer and Highlighter Duo (£17.00) which I actually haven’t tried yet. I can’t comment on the colour of either the bronzer or the highlighter but I can comment on the size and the packaging. Now, this is apparently a full sized birch box exclusive but what I’m thinking is did the lose half of it before shipping it to me? How can this be a full sized product? It is so small and considering the bronzer and highlighter only take up half the pan each how the hell am I going to use this when I actually get round to opening it? It’s understandable for the highlighter side as you can use your finger or a small brush to dip into it but the bronzer…unless you used a tiny brush to bronze with, which I don’t think anyone does, the only way you’d be able to actually get into the bronzer is if you squished your brush before trying to pick up some product. Birchbox also recommends grabbing ‘a large fluffy brush and buff the bronzer all over your face’ but I definitely can’t see me doing this.
Another product I received was the Sebamed Clear Face Antibacterial Cleansing Foam (£7.99 150ml) which promises to help battle breakouts as the foaming formula helps to wash away impurities and balance oil. It helps to maintain natural moisture barriers to keep your complexion feeling soft and healthy. I am always keen to try new face washes and always change up my cleansing routine so I’ll be interested to see how this face wash works and
Lastly I received the Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray (£14.99 237ml) which I have used a couple of times as instructed, I applied it to damp hair before blowdrying and it promises to give you the ‘perfect blowout, protecting, nourishing, smoothing, and volumising hair’. I wouldn’t exactly say it gave me the perfect blowout but it did seem to make my hair feel more smooth and I did find that my hair was more volumised.
Hope you enjoyed reading my review!
Love, Cally
Shame that the mascara didn’t live up to the hype! I’ve seen so many mixed reviews on that one but spidery lashes are a big no from me. I’ve been on the fence about whether to get Birchbox for a while now as it seems like quite a good one for the price. Totally agree with the highlighter though, that does not look like a full sized product. Overall I think you got a fairly good box this month x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
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I don’t understand how people like it so much!! It just goes so spidery and horrible 😫 yeah it is a lovely subscription box but it does tend to be hit and miss! I know, I have to use it with my finger with is such a hassle so I probably won’t use it 🙁 x
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I used to subscribe to Birchbox too, for most of last year in fact. But I stopped because I have a drawerful of products that need to be used and also because I felt the magic had gone out of it a little. It sounds like you feel the same? I know there are other boxes out there – Glossybox and lots of cruelty free ones too, so if you don’t keep going with Birchbox, at least you’ll have plenty of choice for your next subscription! Great review, very honest, thank you for sharing x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
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Thank you Lisa!! I definitely agree with you, the novelty is wearing off so I might unsubscribe soon! Xx
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That mascara is definitely not for me! I’ve read so many reviews on how it can get clumpy and spidery and those are worst types of mascaras for me haha! xx
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Aren’t they…!!! I don’t know how so many people love it and rave about it 😫
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Thank you for this review, I always find make up subscription boxes so interesting! I tried Glossybox a little while back but the products weren’t too good. Love your honesty around BadGal Lash, there’s been a lot of hype so nice to hear your thoughts!!!
R x
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Thanks for your lovely comment!!
I know, I saw so many people promoting it and just thought do they actually like this mascara or not??
Xx
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Ah damn, I was hoping the mascara would live up to expectations! I’ve always debated whether to sign up for Birchbox but I don’t think I’ll bother now x
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It really is hit and miss each month!! But I have enjoyed it so far 😊xx
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I’ve heard so many mixed reviews of the Bad Gal Bang mascara, and I really want to give it a go myself and form my own opinion, especially after, like you, I watched absolutely everyone taken away to The Maldives by Benefit.. 🙊 The Blaq Peel Off Mask sounds like it would be right up my street as well, I love a good peel off mask! 😍
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It’s definitely not my favourite mascara in the world, but it’s not the worst! Why don’t you try it and see how it works for you! 💕
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I’ve never used birchbox, I am so clueless about makeup I wouldn’t know what to look for, but it does seem to have a variety of products which is always good x
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It is really hit and miss sometimes, it might be something you should look into though because they send you a range of products each month, you don’t pick them! Xx
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I’ve been meaning to try the Bad Gal Bang but there were so many mixed review and I feel like i wouldn’t like it!
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Yeah there definitely are!! It just doesn’t work for me, so unfortunate ! Xx
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Aw that’s a shame that the mascara didn’t wow you. I hope the other products are a bit better. I’m never sure about these boxes as it sounds like an expensive lucky dip. Thanks for your honest review Cally, it’s always good to real genuine feedback on pricey beauty items 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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I know, considering so many people were raving about it I thought it would be my new favourite! Xx
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