I love my October Birchbox! This month was all about "buzz" products, and I really think Birchbox nailed it. I got seven samples in total - one which I have used for years and love and five others that I've wanted to try for the longest time. There was only one product that I was kinda indifferent about (the KMS dry shampoo) and that's only because I've never gone out of my way to test new dry shampoos. I just always use Batiste, but this small size will be great in my handbag, plus if it is amazing I might have a new go-to product for all my unwashed hair needs. Who knows?The rundown:- Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (rrp £28) - Amazing, awesome, perfect. I love this product. This is a repurchase for me. I'm actually using the "radiance" version at the moment, which gives a nice dewy look. If you're looking for a primer, I think both versions are equally great.
- Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant (rrp £67) - Score! I don't get the opportunity to try new skin products as much as I'd like, so I'm excited about this one! I've looked at this product a few times when I've been suffering with scarring after a bad breakout, but I've always had to go with a cheaper option. Although a sample size isn't going to tell me whether this product will fade my scars more quickly, I'll get a good idea of how it measures up as an at-home-microfoliation/exfoliating treatment.
- KMS California Hair Play Makeover Spray (rrp £15) - I love the fact that this is called a makeover spray! We shall see how this shapes up against Batiste.
- theBalm cosmetics Stainiac (rrp £10) - My favorite is a low maintenance, natural face, so this is my type of product. As a lip stain, I think it's great. It gives a nice buildable colour, which looks very nice under a little gloss. As a cheek stain, it's very subtle, which can be a good or a bad thing. But it definitely doesn't pack as much punch as Benefit's Benetint, which is my cheek stain of choice. It's a lot easier to apply though... less runny and it has one of those lip gloss applicator sponges as opposed to the nail varnish type brush that Benetint uses.
- Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips (rrp £11.50) - The name has always intrigued me, but I've never purchased. I don't know if this product has any long term benefits yet, but it's a lovely thick balm, which gives a really glossy shine. It looks really good with the Stainiac underneath. It's actually a multipurpose balm that can be used on dry skin (anywhere), as well as a gloss on eyelids, on cheekbones to highlight and to neaten eyebrows. Very versatile indeed.
- Egyptian Magic (rep £29) - This is a multipurpose healing skin cream, which I always see on Cult Beauty and in Liberty. It has always intrigued me because of its "cult" status. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do.
- The Chia Co Shots (rrp 4.79 for 10) - I'm very into my nutrition and Chia shots are all the rage at the mo. I'm intrigued to see how they do in a smoothie, but they can also go into salads or even your morning cereal. They are full of Omega 3, which is great for the skin and they are also a good source of protein. I've read that Chia seeds can help to keep you hydrated because they help retain moisture and regulate the body's absorption of nutrients. I'll give them a go to see whether they are worth adding to my regular routine.
