• April Birchbox #1 // review •

It was all instagram's fault - I was being teased with countless photos of the April Birchbox, and eventually my arm was twisted.

So I realise that we're now in May, but I received my first Birchbox a few days ago and I wanted a few days to test the products before I wrote this review. I used to receive Glossybox in my student days, but I gave up on that after 6 months because the products I was receiving weren't really to my taste. I decided to have a break from beauty boxes for a while as I couldn't find one that really impressed me, until a few weeks ago I was scrolling through my instagram feed which was overrun with Birchbox photos. The thing that drew me in the most was that some of the products were high end (Laura Mercier, for one) so I decided to check it out. The box came 2 days after ordering it (!!!) which, already, is a massive tick in my eyes, and when I opened the box I just knew that I had to write up a review. Every month there is a theme to the box and this month was food - so this box is based around foodie scents and local food markets.

Propercorn - Sweet & Salty // 90p per bag

These treats are guilt-free and taste amazing. They're perfect for this months Birchbox and I devoured the packet in no less than 1 minute. I love the fact that there's a food item included in the box as I'm a huuuuge foodie and always love finding new food brands to try out - plus, it's unique, I don't know of many beauty boxes that include a yummy treat!

Laura Mercier - Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Creme // £44.50 (full size)

I can't even begin to tell you how incredible this smells. I love sweet, girly scents and this is just perfect. I'm really glad I received this one in my box as it sounds like the nicest scent from the range and I've been searching for a new body creme. I used this for the first time yesterday and it sunk into the skin beautifully; I really love the rich, whipped formula, but probably the best thing about this product is that the scent was still lingering when I got ready for bed - amazing. This body soufflé just screams luxury, that's the only way I can describe it really.

One Love Organics Skin Saviour Waterless Beauty Balm // £30 (full size)

This all in one beauty balm can be used as a cleanser, a moisturiser and even mixed with your foundation for a dewy finish. I haven't used this yet but I have swatched it and the texture is very balmy and quite thick, but it transforms to a kind of thin balm/oil when warmed between fingers. It's a very odd consistency but it contains lots of natural goodies including coconut oil and beeswax, so I'm really looking forward to giving this a go.

TheBalm how 'bout them apples // £26 (full size)

I do love a cream blush and this shade is just stunning. It's the perfect rosy, flushed shade and gives your cheeks a really natural pinky glow. The shade 'pie' is what I would describe as a strawberry pink/red, and the first swatch is a sheer layer, whilst the second swatch is two layers. When blended properly into the cheeks, it leaves a nice satin-y finish and is a lovely pop of colour. The formula is great - creamy, but long-lasting, and I've found myself using this every day since it arrived.

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection - Gold Struck // £15 (for all four)

I'd never heard of Color Club before so when I received this I was excited to try it out. I've swatched it on my nail (and I didn't take a photo, as it was over a red polish...oops) and the formula is really opaque, which is great. I'd say you need two coats for it to look it's best and to do the colour justice. I love the rose-gold tones and it's a really lovely, feminine shade, one that I don't think I have in my ridiculously large collection.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle // £15 (full size)

From first spritz, I automatically love this product. The scent is to die for - it's a really sweet, girly scent (a little obsessed with these types of scent) and it lingers in your hair all day, which is amazing since I only used a few sprays. The product claims to protect from heat and detangle, amongst lots of other things, but to be honest my hair doesn't get tangly anyway. I have fine, straight hair that often doesn't even need brushing, so I can't really comment on that, but what it does do is add shine and condition my ends. I think I'm going to purchase the full size of this because I'm currently using Macadamia oil to mend my split ends and restore the health of my hair, but it's good to change your routine every now and then and I really love this product.

I'm so happy with my decision to subscribe to Birchbox and I already can't wait for next months box. Unlike other beauty boxes, I'm actually using every single sample I've received so I'm definitely getting my money's worth.

Have you subscribed to Birchbox, or any other beauty box? What do you think of them?

Daniela