Birchbox April - Which Products I got, Reviews and Which I Would Buy Again

April Birchbox

Birchbox Boden Box

This months Birchbox they collabed with Boden for 'The Bold and the Beautiful' box. First of all I am so happy they brought the draw design back after than one off box which doesn't match my collection at all! then the print for the box is so pretty, it is perfect for Spring time and looks really striking when I'm looking for that month in particular. The products I got inside the draw are amazing too from Nip + Fab to Polaar to Manna Kadar Beauty. This is the first colour corrector I have tried as well and it is affordable to buy again

or try different colours. This month we got to choose between Manna Kadar Cosmetics Radiance Split Pan Bronzer and Highlighter Duo or High Definition Powder for a full size product and I chose the High Definition Powder as having oily skin I really need a good mattifying powder to keep the oil away and to stop it from ruining my make up when I can't do any top ups or so I don't need to at all and I was really impressed with everything Birchbox has sent to me this month.

The first product I want to talk about is Nip + Fab Colour Corrector in the shade 02 Banana to illuminate my skin. I use it the top of my cheek bones then going down my nose and under my eyes to really illuminate them and make them stand out. I love the applicator which is a brush to cut steps out and make it easier to do it on the go or do it in a rush. The formula is really creamy and pigmented and once it dries down it does not budge at all. This being my first attempt at any type of colour correcting I loved it and would definitely buy different shades in the future as it is only $8.95 per tube what is a bargain!

The next product I wanted to try out was Baija Paris Creme Moana in Fleur de Tiare that first of all smells amazing! and makes your skin feel baby soft. I love the packaging and the design they have put on the tube, it really stands out from everything else in the draws and in your make up bag (if you carry it around like I have been) I love how nourishing it is on my skin especially now it is starting to warm up! It smells like cotton candy mixed with a floral scent which you can smell hours after you've put it on. The size for this sample is large enough to last the whole month as well which is great as last months box had some really small samples in it. 'A blend of shea and cupuacu butter (protects and nourishes hair and skin), coconut oil, jojoba wax' which creates the sweet smell and makes it so nice on the skin. They do recommend to use this on dry patches but I use it where ever, mostly on my tattoos as it contains such nice ingredients which make them really pop even thought I have had some for years. When I do reach the end of the sample I will definitely be buying it again as it is only $15.90 for the full size!

Next of course I had to try the Manna Kadar Cosmetics High Definition Powder for my oily t-zone. I really liked the pattern they have imprinted on the powder surface as it actually helps the brush pick up just the right amount of the powder without almost drowning yourself in it. It's about the skin of a single eye shadow pot which makes it portable but I was a little shocked at the price as this is a full size version which would cost $27! I can easily see why though the formula is really nice, it feels soft on the skin and I didn't see any oil coming through or breaking up my foundation at all when I was wearing it. I haven't heard of the make up brand before and looking on the Birchbox website (it is a Birchbox exclusive) they only have the two choices and an eye shadow palette which is mostly nude shades. I will try and hunt down more from this brand to do a blog post on them as I really like this powder and I think personally if you do suffer from oily skin or just want to fight away signs of the heat that this is a must have for summer this year! It may be pricey but you can see why it is! Hopefully I will save enough Birchbox points to buy another when this one runs out!

This months body wash is a very delicate one from the brand Polaar called the IcePure Gentle Scrub with Arctic Cotton. Now this is another new brand to me from this months box but since the first time I smelt it I loved it and looked into where I can buy more and if there are different scents. To start off with the biggest question...what is Arctic Cotton? Arctic Cotton is a powerhouse ingredient known for the moisturising properties which double acts for exfoliating both smooths and softens the skin. I used this first on my face when I was having my exfoliation day and loved it! I then used it in the shower when my skin was feeling a little dry instead of the Lush exfoliation bar and found it works just as good and the smell stays on your skin for hours after you've showered making me feel clean all day! As far as sample sizes go I think they've done a really great job with the amount they've gave out (25 ml) as I have used it for at least 3 weeks now every now and then and it hasn't really gone down at all meaning I don't need to save it for a special occasion like some of the products I get without having to worry that it is a one time thing or that I will love it and it will be really expensive. Price wise is quite affordable at $23.50 it will last months.

The last product I got from this months box is one from Oribe, another brand I haven't used before or heard of. I was expecting some type of hair product as that is what I tend to get in each box so I opened it half expecting another dry shampoo and was delighted to see a Dry Texturizing Spray inside! The packaging again for this product looks really nice with a fair size for a sample that is. I used it right away before realising that it is half dry shampoo half texturizing spray so the next time I used it I made sure it was a bad hair day or when I broke my routine and my hair got a little greasier. It is a good spray, it did make my hair more poofy and less greasy but over all I have tried so many products like this they are all starting to seem the same to me. This was the only product out of the whole box that I probably wouldn't buy again as I am starting to almost stock pile them now. If you are looking for a new dry shampoo mixed with texturizing spray I will say it is nice but for $20 I won't be buying it again.




If you would like to start a subscription with Birchbox like I am then use the link down below to get $5 off your first box!

https://www.birchbox.co.uk/invite/exploringmakeup