BIRCHBOX UK - JULY 2014

Every month I post a video on my YouTube channel comparing my UK Birchbox and Glossybox (like this) but I've always been torn between giving each box its own video or keeping it all bundled up in one. Now that I've started blogging, I thought that writing one blog post for each box, as well as a monthly video, would be a perfect compromise. This way I can go into a bit more detail on each box and include swatches and extra thoughts. Since I've had both of my boxes for a week or so now, I'll include some updates on how I've been getting on with the products I've used so far.

My July Birchbox is up first with a summer theme of Sun, Sea & Sand.

• WELEDA Millet Nourishing Shampoo | £8.95 for 190ml

The first product was a 18ml sample size of shampoo, so the sample is worth less than £1. I've already used up this sample barely getting two uses out of it. I didn't find the scent particularly pleasant (it smells a little citrus-y) and was honestly happy just to use up the sample and get rid of it. I won't be purchasing the full size; the product was okay but the smell has put me off.

• BALANCE ME Wonder Eye Cream | £20 for 15ml

I was pretty pleased to receive an eye cream as I haven't tried out that many and am almost out of the one I'm currently using. This 7ml sample should last a while and is worth close to £10 in relation to the full size. I could see myself repurchasing this, but need to try it out for a bit longer to really decide. So far, so good.

• LAQA & CO. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour | £14 for 3.7g

Another sample size, but this is a cute little lip crayon. The colour is a gorgeous purple and I have high hopes for this one. It's a great bright summer colour which perfectly aligns with the box theme. The pencil has a minty smell which isn't too overpowering even for someone who doesn't usually like minty lip products. I should get quite a bit of use out of this so I'm pleased. It's not particularly sheer contrary to its name but gives a glossy wash of colour easily applied onto the lips.

• GILCHRIST & SOAMES English Spa Sea Kelp Extract Mineral Bath | £11.25 for 236ml

This decent 40ml tube of gel to be added to bath water is the only product from this box that I'm yet to try. As an occasional bath taker that may not change for a while, but it smells nice and fresh and I've been a fan of this brand's products I've tried in the past.

• WHISH Three Whishes Lavender Body Butter | £14.50 for 150ml

This last product completes a full set of samples. It's a bit disappointing not to receive any full size items but this particular product doesn't disappoint. I'm not usually a fan of lavender scents but the product description sums this one up perfectly - 'Not your granny's lavender'. This body butter seems to harness the perfect amount of lavender and the consistency is perfect for smoothing all over the body. It sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't feel greasy - I just wish there was more of it! I doubt this sample is going to last too long.

• VITA COCO Natural Coconut Water in Lemonade | £2.29 for 330ml

The only full size product is the lifestyle extra which I am saving to make a smoothie one of these days. Every single vlogger I watch seems to make and love healthy morning smoothies so my plan is to make one of my own in the near future. I'll keep you updated if it turns out any good. These little extras are always nice.

Overall, it's not the best Birchbox I've ever received but I will use every product so it's not a complete miss. The body butter has definitely been a bit of a surprise love since I have so many similar samples which are mostly half used. The others need a bit more testing but I'll keep you updated. I'm a little disappointed with the box's worth this month, but hopefully next month will be better!

Box worth - £22.17

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