March Birchbox: Be Present Not Perfect

Another month, another Birchbox post. This month’s box is centered around mindfulness, and taking out some time for yourself. Self-care is just as important as caring for others, and although I would not use all these products on a pamper night, I am very excited to try out all these products. Now this is a slightly longer post than normal, but with good reason! Keep reading to find out more.

March Birchbox: Be Present Not Perfect - Life Of A Beauty Nerd
BLAQ Hydrogel Eye Mask
Burning the candle at both ends (getting the kids to school and binging Netflix post 11pm) can have our peepers looking, well, not so fresh. Leave the evidence of last night behind, and pop on this activated charcoal eye mask to de-puff, detox and get back to your shiny, gorgeous self! Now all we have to do is decide which boxset we're watching...
I admit that I am slightly too attached to devices, whether it is a laptop, my phone, tablet or the television. My eyes can often feel quite tired because of this, I might be wrong but the fact that I wear glasses as well makes it a little worse. Whilst I do not really ever get ‘puffy’ eyes, anything to help cool and soothe the eyes I think is good. 

Prepare for lash lift off with this new, thickening mascara. Its gravity-defying formula contains aero-particles, commonly found in astronaut’s spacesuits, to deliver volume with lightweight lift in every swipe. The special slimpact brush is moulded to catch every single lash, from corner to corner – just wiggle it from roots to tips for an impactful look that will last up to 36 hours.
I will not lie, when this finally launched after all the PR hype, I was a little disappointed. I really thought it was going to be something else, maybe a foundation or illuminator, not a mascara. However, I am a big fan of Benefit’s other mascaras, so I am willing to give this a go. 

The wand is similar to They’re Real, but more of a triangular shape and as I already quite like They’re Real, I am really hoping that this lives up to that and all the PR hype.

When you want to achieve a lit-from-within glow, this creamy balm provides instantly glowing skin in one easy-to-use formula. Its peachy pigment contains just the right amount of shimmer to add a soft glow to cheekbones – or build it up for a more intense pop of colour on cheeks. We think it works best when applied using your fingertips; just blend for seamless radiance, or layer for a more intense hue.
I received a make-up product from LAQA & CO. in my last Birchbox post so I am looking forward to trying another product from the line. I have tried a few cream blushes in the past and I have not always found them the easiest to use, but from doing a swatch on the back of my head, this does feel like it would be easier to blend.

It does a subtle shimmer running through it as it is a highlighter as well, but as it is peach-toned, on my skin-tone, I think I would stick to using it as a blush. 

If you spend more time in bed tossing and turning than you do snoozing, reach for this ultra-relaxing pillow spray to help you catch some Z’s. Clinically proven to aid a good night’s sleep, just spray a fine mist over your pillow before you climb into bed. The 100% pure essential oils – including calming lavender, patchouli and chamomile – work to lull you to sleep faster and help you wake feeling more refreshed. 
I have already given this a go, as I have heard so many bloggers rave about this product so I was desperate to give it a go as soon as possible to see if all the love was justified. Now I was not feeling particularly sleepy but I was asleep within 15 minutes. The scent is quite strong, but not too intense if that makes any sense. I quite like the smells of these essential oils as well. 

So I am very impressed that this does actually work. I am going to trial it a few more times (it is Friday as I am writing this) but so far, it seemingly does!

Lift your hair and your spirits with this sweet-smelling mist. The same uplifting fragrance as our bestselling detangler, this prep spray provides a seriously volumising boost to lacklustre hair. Spray it evenly through damp strands then blow-dry for best results. The vegan, paraben-free formula adds touchable body and thickness without any hint of stickiness or product build-up. 
I had received the detangler in a previous box and it is a very good brand. Sadly, volume is not something I need to add to my hair – I just have to brush it. I will be passing this onto someone who will get more use out of it. 

I would still recommend this brand, and it is a great choice for people who want to make more ethical choices with their beauty products as this is vegan. 

Birchbox Glitter Kit: Top Rated Birchbox-Exclusives - Life Of A Beauty Nerd
Coincidentally, on the same day that I received my Birchbox, I also attended a Subscribers Event down at the pop-up shop on Carnaby Street in celebration of International Women’s Day. As a Mother’s Day treat, I decided to take my mum with me and I bought her the Build Your Own Box she put together. 

The event was really nice, there was some bubbly, some delicious treats provided by The French Tartes and treatments provided by Vita Coco and Balance Me. My mum had a ‘Face Mapping’ treatment with Balance Me whilst I perused the store, whilst eating way too many passionfruit meringue mini tarts. There was also a 20% discount of all full-size products and a gift with purchase.

I decided to take up the 20% discount and bought a few goodies! First up, I repurchased They’re Real, as I said earlier it is one of my favourite mascaras so why not get it a bit cheaper! I also decided to get the NUXE Rêve De Miel Lip Balm – I originally wanted one of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner but sadly it was out of stock. 

I have heard many good things about this lip balm, but I’ve fancied paying a tenner for but with the discount, I am willing to give it a try.

The gift of purchase that I chose was a sample size of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte in Rosewood – as I am a self-confessed liquid lipstick addict, there was no way I would not give this a go!

Now the lovely lady at the till also gave me the Birchbox Glitter Kit: Top Rated Birchbox-Exclusives!, I’m not entirely sure why, whether I had spent over a certain amount but either way it was very kind of her! I thought I would also include the contents in this post.

This compact combines two of our favourite things - bronzer and highlighter - into one easy-to-use palette. The velvety-soft powders are incredibly versatile – use them to add all-over illumination to your skin, a sun-kissed glow to cheeks, or just apply to the areas that you want to show off!

I seem to remember this being one of the options that I could chose from in a previous month, but I chose the other option. I’m not sure if I would use this as a bronzer and highlighter, as the pan is quite small, but as eyeshadows, I think these would be gorgeous. Everything I have tried thus far from Manna Kadar, I’ve enjoyed so I’m hoping I’ll like this too!

Why use several hair products when one will do? This sweet-scented leave-in spritz conditions, detangles, minimises frizz, protects colour, and adds shine to all hair types. Phew! Plus, it's free from parabens and sulphates.

So now I have two! I will probably keep this in my toiletries box, either as a back-up or to take with me in my travel toiletries bag. Protecting the hair is really important, especially if you use a lot of heat, I like to use a hairdryer and straighteners so I like to use a lot of heat protectant. 

There was a time when we were a bit sceptical about hair oils - the last thing we wanted was a greasy, weighed down ’do. These days, however, we can't imagine a haircare routine without it. This strand-saving elixir gives drab, dull hair a coveted movie star shine (plus a whole host of reparative benefits). Our oil-free days are officially over.
Like I said above, I use a lot of heat on my hair so protecting and treating my hair is important. I have received another product from this brand in a Birchbox, I have not tried it yet, but I am more likely to use this. I have very thick hair, so I find hair oils do not way down or feel greasy on the hair. 

We’re suckers for long-lasting makeup: we’re talking smudge-proof, budge-proof, and waterproof. But, when it comes to taking it all off, we don’t want it to put up a fight. Highly effective yet soothingly gentle, this advanced make-up remover whisks away all traces of mascara, shadow, and lipstick, no matter how durable the formulas. It even goes one step further to diminish dark circles and under-eye puffiness using cucumber and green tea. Ideal for even contact lens wearers, this hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and perfume-free formula is a multi-tasking must-have.
Although I love my Garnier Micellar Water, this is the only make-up remover that could ever contest this love. This removes everything, and even with the smallest amount. I was very tempted to buy a full-size at the pop-up shop, it is almost as if the Gods knew.

From no-calorie cupcakes to pinch-free stilettos, we admit that we’re prone to wishful thinking. Another item near the top of our if-only-it-were-real list: a truly non-greasy body lotion. Much to our surprise, this decadent organic body butter fits the bill. Organic aloe, shea butter and raspberry butter conquer dryness, while organic seaweed extract contains naturally high levels of skin-firming peptides. Bonus: The formula also includes organic rice bran oil, a natural source of tocotrienols, a potent antioxidant that defeats free radicals and provides UV protection.
I am starting to have way too many travel size body moisturisers. I have already had a body moisturiser from this brand, but I think it had shimmer running through it so it will be nice to try a 'normal' body butter from this brand. With the spring slowly on its way, hopefully the weather will start to warm up a bit, maybe I can start to get through these!

So this is what was in my March Birchbox and what I purchased at the Birchbox pop-up shop event. If you have tried any of these products, let me know in the comments!

Ellyn xx


Check out my last post here!
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10 comments

  1. I love hair oil, and I like switching brands, so I am so glad to read about this, I too have thick hair so this is great - thanks! Make up forever are one of my favorite brands since my days as a make up artist - I am also addicted to liquid lipsticks (the only kind I use actually) so this is another great recommendation for me.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'm wearing it today and it is actually really nice! I would like to try some of the other shades before posting a review though.

      Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

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  2. Looks a good box, I really want to try the new benefit mascara

    Ezara

    Also love if you check out my blog: https:www.ehbeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. So far I have actually found it to be a little clumpy, but then again I have short eyelashes so I think sometimes that makes it feel even more clumpy

      Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

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  3. I've heard so many bloggers talk about Birchbox and I've never considered subscribing to it but it seems like you get some really good products in them! Would you say they're worth it? I've never tried a Benefit product, I know crazy right? But I can't wait to try the new Bad Gal Bang! If it's rubbish I'll be so disappointed!

    Jess xx
    foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com

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    1. I really love getting it every month, you are also able to get the full-sizes on the website, and after six months you also get a discount to use on the website as well! I think it is totally worth it!

      Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

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  4. I've always wanted to try Birchbox, I see adverts for it all the time so might have to give them a go after this! The Benefit Mascara looks great! I didn't realise you'd get such high quality products!
    Elle
    Ellelouise.co.uk xxx

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    1. It is really worth it! After a certain amount of boxes you also get a discount on the full-size products on the Birchbox website

      Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

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  5. The benefit mascara sounds amazing!! Really want to try it seen so many people rave about it! The eye masks sound like lifesaver too. Great post

    Emma
    Emmarollason.com

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    1. It is ok, I do think the other Benefit mascaras are better, I am finding it to be a little clumpy but then again I have short eyelashes and I find clumpiness is made worse because of this, it is not bad, but I don't know if it is quite worth all the hype

      Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

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