Birchbox Review July 2017

The Perfect Birchbox??

Disclaimer: No you haven't read the title wrong, this is a review of the July Birchbox, which arrived several months ago. I wrote this at the time of receiving the box, and kept telling myself that I would delay posting this until I had taken my own pictures of the product for you. However, due to various reasons, this was not possible, and I have been weighing up whether or not to post this review anyway for a while. However, I have decided that since I was so impressed with July's products that I would post it here now. The pictures used are off Birchbox's Instagram. I hope you enjoy the review!

I cannot believe how amazing this month's Birchbox was. It is important to state that each subscriber gets a different combination of products in their box (so don't think that you will definitely receive the same items that someone else gets, although you may get some of these products in a future box). However, my July Birchbox was a perfect medley of products. I received two makeup items, one foot cream, one amazing hair product, a fragrant cleanser and a surprise sixth item of perfume. The diversity was only trumped by the quality, aroma and uniqueness of the products. 

But before we get into all that, I want to talk about the cherry on top; the box design. A few months back, Birchbox decided to let its subscribers choose which box design they wanted for July, and the design chosen is stunning. The summer vibes I felt with the previous 'Birchbag' are nothing compared to the vibes I get from this box. Palm trees set against a sunset backdrop - little screams holiday louder to me! I am amazed to say that this design has beaten the marble box design to the most liked box position, which was very difficult to do as I love marble designs. 

With that in mind, let's delve into the individual products I received this month. Brace yourself - high ratings on the way...

1st Item - Benefit Cosmetics Gogotint Lip & Cheek Stain RRP £25.50*

Rating - 9/10

This month's item of choice was the much anticipated Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain, either in the shade Gogotint or Chachatint. I opted for the Gogotint shade because it was more pinky-red, whilst the other shade was more orangey-coral, and I felt that the former would be more flattering on me. I was not really expecting much from this, since I had used a lip stainer before which really didn't suit me and so I was sceptical about the whole concept. However, as soon as I tried it on I was converted. 

To apply the product, you dap a couple of dots of the liquid onto your lips and cheeks and then use your fingertips to blend it out. This product sat on my lips so well that it almost looked as though my lips were naturally that colour. It is the perfect day time lip because eating won't make it budge significantly. I also found that the colour complimented my skin tone very well.

When using it on my cheeks I found the look a bit overpowering, but that was because I had applied too much product. With a little more blending it looked really nice, and since the same colour was on my cheeks and my lips it gave my makeup a really uniform and natural look. However, because of that I would recommend practising the amounts you need on your cheeks before you apply your makeup or on a separate occasion so that you don't ruin your look by over-applying!

Would I recommend? - Definitely. I am even considering buying other shades of this as it works so well as a day lip/cheek combo!

2nd Item - Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water RRP £16*

Rating - 8/10

Now I have to be honest and say that I was not that bothered about receiving yet another cleanser. Birchbox seem to supply me with a new one each month, and I now have a container full of half used cleansers. However, this product was probably the best cleanser they have sent me so far, so for that I'll let it slide! 

The product, like most Birchbox products, smells spa-like, although it was a little overpowering at first. It was also very good at removing the makeup that was on my face, though I wasn't wearing very much. The best part about this particular cleanser, however, is that it doesn't require you to wash, rinse or pat dry your face afterwards, which is what I like in a cleanser. 

Would I recommend? - Yes, if you are specifically looking for a hassle-free, fragrant cleanser, then this is perfect for you.

3rd Item - Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery RRP £20*

Rating - 10/10

The third product is very exciting in my opinion. This is essentially like a leave in conditioner which you apply on your dry hair before you go to sleep. The instructions were to apply it to your scalp and roots and brush through with a comb to ensure even coverage. 

However, unlike most leave in conditioners I have tried, it doesn't leave you with  a greasy texture at all. In fact, this product seems to disappear within seconds of application, leaving your hair super smooth. My hair is bleached, therefore hair care like this is essential maintenance. I was honestly so impressed with both the concept and the success of this product that I will definitely be buying the full size version of it. This is the first product in Birchbox history that I will definitely buy again, therefore I am awarding it a prestigious 10/10.

Would I recommend? - Definitely. This product is amazing. I cannot express how soft my hair feels after using it, and the fact that I don't need to wash it out is an added bonus. Buy it, it is definitely worth it. 

4th Item - Anatomicals Softening Eucalyptus Foot Cream RRP £5.99*

Rating - 8/10

This foot cream works wonders. Whilst it does of course soften feet and generally make you feel pampered, what separates it from other foot creams is the great smell it gives off. Other foot creams I have tried can be quite bland, but this one has a really intoxicating aroma. And, at the cheap price of £5.99, what's not to love?

Would I recommend? - Yes, especially given the price. However, if you already have a favourite foot cream then it probably isn't worth buying it. 

5th Item - Lord & Berry Conceal-It Crayon RRP £12*

Rating - 10/10

I have used concealer sticks and concealer liquids, but I have yet to try, or even come across, a concealer crayon/pencil. And I really wish I had come across it sooner. I applied this crayon onto spots and red areas directly, and with my finger I blended it out. This covered them better than any concealer I have ever used before. There were no bumps, no lines, no cakeyness. And it concealed my red areas faultlessly. It is concealer perfection. I am honestly so excited about this product, especially because I believe it could work really well as a day-time alternative to full-face foundation, which often looks a bit cakey on my dry skin. 

Unfortunately, the Hair Overnight Recovery product claimed the first ever 10 on my blog, but Lord & Barry are now also firmly establish in the 10/10 category.

Would I recommend? - Definitely. I have nothing more to add, except that at £12 this product is a steal.

Bonus 6th Item - English Laundry Oxford Bleu Femme Eau de Parfum RRP £55*

Rating - 9/10

I'm always grateful for a bonus item, especially when it is something new and different. This is the first perfume I have received from Birchbox, and it is something that I would definitely like to see more of in the future. The scent I received this month was gorgeous. The packaging for a start was beautiful. It had regal themes running throughout in the form of heraldry, which I was definitely a fan of since I'm a history student with a fascination for the English monarchy. 

Fragrance-wise, it is quite a mature scent, but not in a did-you-steal-your-granny's-perfume kind of way. I would definitely love to wear this scent on special occasions, though it may be a bit much for casual day wear. The main drawback of this product is unfortunately its price. Branded perfumes normally cost a fair amount, and I am not surprised that this one is given its beautiful packaging.

Would I recommend? - Yes, but I personally will be asking for this for a Christmas or birthday present as I feel a bit decadent spending £55 on perfume when I already have perfumes.

And that concludes my July 2017 Birchbox review! This month's box will be hard to beat, it was immensely good, not a single bad product in it. And I received six rather than five items, so I am impressed to say the least. As always I hope you enjoyed this review, and remember to leave a comment letting me know what you thought of your Birchbox this month.

EBB x

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*RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop