May 2014 Birchbox: Harper's Bazaar Edition

May 2014 Birchbox* (£10 + p&p)

Whoever is in charge of coming up with collaborations over at Birchbox HQ is on fire right now. As is the design team, just look at how beautiful the outside of the box is - the mini magazine inside is very sweet too! As for the contents, I must admit that I was a little unsure of what to expect before opening it.

I often find magazine recommendations a little hit and miss; they're either very predictable or too high end. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a little bit of luxury every now and then but when it comes to sample boxes, I do like to be able to try things that I could repurchase if I loved something. And I know not everyone is on a budget at the moment, but I've definitely had my beauty-heart broken when I fell in love with a moisturiser that's over £100. There's just no way that's ever going to happen.

In many ways this box does fall under the predictable category but I'm not disappointed because there are undeniably some fabulous brands inside.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara | sample size
A much talked about & much loved mascara of many. Unfortunately this irritates my eyes but I know I won't have any trouble finding someone who will be more than happy to add it to their make up bag.

Soigne Nail Lacquer | full size
A beautiful nude peachy pink shade that I will never not adore and I already know this will look incredibly chic and polished. It's not a wishy-washy colour either, there's some substance to it and with a few coats will be pretty opaque. It's non toxic too, which can only be a good thing! Retails for £11. 

Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo | sample size
Philip Kingsley isn't my favourite hair care brand but I'm always willing to try a new dry shampoo. This is something I never would have purchased to try because it's a little more expensive and there's always the risk that I wouldn't like it, so it's nice to be able to give it a try this way. Roll on second day hair!   

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser | sample size
Many moons ago I tried this much loved cleanser and I wasn't a fan but I couldn't really tell you why. I suppose it just didn't wow me. Over the last few years I've definitely seen a change in my skin so I'm intrigued to see if I like it any more now. 

Aromatherapy Associates 'Relax Light' Bath & Shower Oil | sample size
These oils are incredibly luxurious. They're perfect after a long day at work, if you're feeling a bit achey or if you just fancy having a relaxing hour to yourself with a hot bath and a good book. The full size oils are pricey but a good investment if there's a scent from the range that you particularly love. They definitely last as you only need a little each time. I'll be saving this little pot for when I need a little pick-me-up - I have to submit an extended essay in a few weeks which I need a minimum of 85% in, so I'm thinking I'll probably need a long hot bath on deadline day! 

Imedeen Derma One | lifestyle extra
These supplements promise to tackle anti-ageing from the inside and are packed with zinc and vitamin C. Not something I'm personally going to use (& they contain fish extract, so I can't) but it's definitely an interesting lifestyle extra!

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This box doesn't beat last month's box for me, although it's definitely an interesting one and honestly, I'm not even really sure that anything could top last month! Are you subscribed? What do you think of this month's offerings?

xo