August Birchbox review: Mermaid Vibes

My August Birchbox arrived early which was a lovely surprise.  I didn’t know what to hope for from this month’s curation as July didn’t seem to match my profile and preferences at all.  But after seeing the stunning box design on various social media channels, I had my fingers crossed.

Recap on July’s box

I was a little disappointed with July’s box (review here). I loved the Benefit ChaCha tint, and quite liked the Lord and Berry stick and Percy & Reed hair balm.  But the Nanette Lepore perfume, Native Unearthed deodorant, and Balance Me micellar water were just not for me.

August’s box

Mermaid Vibes are very evident this month, the box is absolutely beautiful.  I’m going to have a very hard time keeping my seven year old wannabe marine biologist’s sticky little paws away from it!  Anyway, what about the actual treats inside?

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse® OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer

Ohhhhh, I was so excited to see this luxe moisturising dry oil in my Birchbox, I used to look longingly at the full price bottles in Space NK years ago! And it definitely does not disappoint. It smells wonderful and a little bit goes a very long way. Packed with Vitamin E, it’s a very subtle shimmer, not glittery at all, and you can build it up if you want to. Stroking this under my brows, across my cheekbones, along my collarbone, down my shins, and onto the dry ends of my hair makes me feel glowy and gorgeous – and just like I’m on holiday again. Really, what more could you ask of any product? Oh yes, and the bottle looks pretty fabulous on my dressing table. A definite repurchase when it runs out, at £20.00 for 50ml, it’s a gold star hit.

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick – Out of your Shell

I’d not heard of LOC before but I’m a fan of pencil/stick eyeshadows.  The colour is good too with a slight shimmer so I can use it as a highlighter under my brows, above my cupids bow, and along my cheekbones.  It’s slightly dry when it goes on but if you blend it quickly then it’s very long lasting.  Apparently it’s paraben free, cruelty free and waterproof too.  I like this, I think it’s a multipurpose product and I might repurchase for £8.00 when it runs out.  Another hit.

Whish Renewing Mud Mask

My experiences with mud masks are that they bring grollies to the surface which, left in peace, would probably stay in hiding! Anyway, I applied a thin layer to a clean face at bedtime and left it for 2 minutes before removing it as instructed. OMG, I can’t believe how clear my skin looks. My blackheads are gone, my pores seem reduced in size, and there’s no sign of any grollies either.  And my skin feels so soft. I looooooooooooove this mask! £29 seems a bit steep but, as you only need a small amount at a time, it’s going to be money well spent when this sample runs out. A hit.

Number 4 Sugar Spray

Well, I never knew you could use sugar on your hair! I was very sceptical when I saw this because liquid sugar is incredibly sticky and clumps things together (think punks and their Mohicans). Plus it’s murder to clean up. Anyway, my curly hair needs all the help it can get in this wet and humid weather so, nothing ventured nothing gained, I sprayed some on my dry hair. What a revelation.  It transformed my frizzy ends into soft textured curls which lasted all day.  No stickiness, and no clumping.  I think I’ve found my new hair hero product and at £20.00 for 145ml it’s not going to break the bank either.  Another hit.

Spectrum Collections The Glam Clam

I don’t really use brushes on my face as I don’t wear foundation, powder eyeshadow or blush. However, after just a few strokes of this incredibly soft brush across my cheek I can say that I’m a convert. I used it to apply some bronzer, which it did beautifully. I’m not entirely sure what I’m supposed to use this particular brush for – contouring, I think? But it’s so pretty and feels of such amazing quality that I want the whole £59.99 set for Christmas now! A hit.

Did I like August’s box?

Well, I think it’s fairly obvious that I’m delighted with my August treats. After a bit of a let down in July, Mermaid Vibes have definitely restored my faith in Birchbox.  I think the box is brilliant value for money and this time the contents really do seem tailored to my profile.  Thank you, Birchbox, I’m a very happy girl 🙂

What did you think of your August Birchbox?  Do you like all your treats?  Did you get different products to me?  Will you keep your subscription going or, if you don’t subscribe yet, are you tempted to now?