I headed for the UK about three weeks ago, on my return trip I left all my makeup behind. Damn those airport rules and they’re separate see through bags! I knew that one of these days that was going to happen. I only realise when I reached the security point that I didn’t have my obligatory plastic bag. The horror. And. that was the last day I ever wore makeup.
As soon as got back in Valencia, I asked my daughter to send them to me and to cut a long story short, she didn’t keep the postal receipt and now my I have no idea where my stuff is, probably floating somewhere in between UK and Spain. So in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been waiting and HOPING that I will get all my things back, or else, I will have to replace all, which is fine, but a lot of the products I use are only available in the UK.
But on a happier note, it’s summer, usually, I wear less and can survive with only with tinted blusher, highlighter, kohl pencil, lipstick and mascara. I try not to over do it with the foundation because with 30°c heat the last thing I want to be doing is starving my skin of oxygen. When I thought all hope was lost, my Birchbox Summer Box came, a good distraction from the frustration of trying to chase up where my stuff have got to.
Vasanti BrightenUp! Scrub
I want to put this one up first because it’s one of my favourite products from out of this months box. I’m not particular with face scrubs and I find that a lot of them can irritate my skin or just simply too rough for daily use.
I’ve been using Vasanti BrightenUp! Scrub for five days now, I scrubbed for about three minutes, paying particular attention to the problem areas, such as the side of my nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. Even though the beads are minuscule they can still feel pretty rough and I expected my face to have a slight red tint after rinsing. But I was surprised that after a while of scrubbing it did not affect any of my sensitive areas and it did not leave a rash or any kind of irritation.
The scrub is slightly fragrant but not overpowering, pretty subtle and it gives you a fresh after smell. After using it about 4 to 5 times I noticed that my skin was a lot brighter and smoother. I would imagine that this product would be suitable if you have combination skin like mine. It gets rid of the dead skin, leaving your face refreshed and glowing. Really, it does!
The last face scrub I used was Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Scrub, a lot more different compared to Vasanti BrightUp, I found that normal scrubs tend to leave my skin dry, that’s why I don’t go crazy for them, but I’m also openminded and I believe that you just have to keep on sampling new products in able to find the suitable face scrub for your skin. Unexpectedly, I think I have found mine!
A 4.23oz tube cost €32.00 and if used consistently, they claim that a single tube will last you four to six months. So, not a bad deal, for such a great product.
E’lifexir Tanning Lotion
This is the second self tanning sample that I received from Birchbox Spain. E’lifexir is self tanning body lotion and moisturiser with Vitamin E, SPF 15 and antioxidants. They claim to enhance the production of your skins melanin and improves your tan up to 20 times.
Because my skin is naturally very dark anyway, it’s very rare that I try any of these kind of self tanning lotions. But during the winter months, I find them great to use as an alternative face moisturiser. In winter my skin colour lightens a little and it’s just nice to have this in hand to add a little colour. So I think this one will stay in the guest bathroom so it can be used for when my family or friends come around.
Laqa & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil
I love, love love this lip pencil. Such an attractive and vibrant packaging. The pencil glides on very easily and gives a bright and durable colour that can be worn for an hour or so. It also has a transparent effect so it’s perfect if you want something light or add a bit more if you want a dramatic effect. The only thing is that the colour is too dark for my skin tone, I would have preferred either the Bees Knees or Fairy Blood lip lubes. But I’m so excited because this is a great find, something I would really consider buying but with another shade!
Kueshi Aloe Vera Gel
We all know the healing powers and benefits of Aloe Vera, and they can’t come much purer than this. With 99% aloe vera, this gel is suitable for general use and all skin types it maintains skin hydration, whilst preventing irritation and restoring elasticity to the skin.
We tend to spend a lot outdoors especially during the summer, this pocket size sample is great for travelling and treating minor itches caused by mosquito bites, sunburns and general irritations that come with hot summer months. My 6-year-old loves using this because of the cool and jelly like texture, the cooling effect works straight away giving your skin that refreshed feeling, being odourless it would also suit sensitive skin and safe to use for children.
Campos De Ibiza
Ahhh perfume! The fragrance style of Campos De Ibiza reminds me a little of my favourite L’Occitane products.With 6 fragrances to choose from I was lucky enough to sample two of them. Campos de Ibiza provides a contemporary and luxurious interpretation of the natural smells from the countryside of Ibiza. Available fragrances include mandarin, fig, jasmine, rose, almond blossom and cedar wood.
The Fig fragrance gave a musky and dark smell, maybe also with a hint of cinnamon, very earthy. Both fragrances would suit both men and women given their neutral scent. I personally prefer the Madarina fragrance, not sure whether because it reminds me of the smell of summer, but it is definitely the best of the two, I also find that after a couple of hours the smell becomes more subtle and gives off a fresh and feminine scent.
I liked my summer box but would have preferred a lot more face-care products and makeup samples and less of the tanning lotions. I totally recommend Vasanti BrightenUp! Scrub and Laqa & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencils. They are something I would purchase and would continue to use, it feels liberating finding out these new products without any strong marketing influence, a lot of samples I receive from Birchbox Spain I’ve never heard of, so a lot is new to me, and it’s exciting!
