Birchbox UK February 2013

So it's Birchbox time again - I got back to Uni today and this arrived within a couple of hours. I had high hopes for the contents of the box after last month's impressive offerings and I'm pleased to say this one definitely hasn't disappointed! This month's box is a London Fashion Week-themed box (though I always think the themes are a little bit loose as most products could apply to any theme really), and has some generously sized samples as well as some nice little extras. So without further ado...

Vichy Thermal Spa Water (Limited Edition), full size RRP £17
Birchbox say: "Soothing and regenerating, this multi-purpose product is naturally enriched with 15 minerals and 13 trace elements. It can be used as a toner, to set make-up or as a refreshing boost."

Vichy is a brand I both know and like and I'd read good things about their Eau Thermale so I'm more than happy to see this in my box, especially as my Caudalie Beauty Elixir is on its last legs. I sprayed this onto cleansed skin today and it was lovely - odourless but very refreshing. I'm looking forward to trying it over make up to see its setting power, too. This is a very decent sized sample and should last a good while.

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump N'Thick Leave-In Thickening Mist, full size RRP £13.90
Birchbox say: "Get visible volume with this light but powerful leave-in treatment from Nick Chavez. Just spritz onto towel-dried hair before styling."

Nick Chavez is a brand I think I've heard of before, but never tried, so I was excited to find it very well reviewed on MakeUpAlley. To be honest, I now have a plethora of volumising/thickening sprays but this is a great travel-size so hopefully I'll get good use from it. Another product I'm really happy with.

Korres Guava Shower Gel, full size RRP £8
Birchbox say: "The sweet, sophisticated scent of this moisturising shower gel will invigorate you, while wheat proteins and aloe vera cleanse and hydrate your skin. Absolutely divine."

I've reviewed a number of Korres products on my blog and it's one of my absolute favourite brands. This shower gel smells absolutely beautiful and I'm thrilled to have a Korres product in a beauty box - this is what they should be like!

EBOOST Natural Energy Booster, full size RRP (20 sachets) £20.99
Birchbox say: "We're relying on EBOOST's natural, nutrient-rich, no-crash tonic to see us through this year's Fashion Week. Just mix the sachet contents with cold water and drink up."

Somewhat nonplussed about this 'lifestyle extra' - we aren't all at Fashion Week, Birchbox! I'll probably try it but I'm not expecting great things.

Birchbox Eyelash Curler, RRP £10
Birchbox say: "Get a wide-open, catwalk worthy gaze with the help of this Birchbox eyelash curler. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes!"

A beauty extra from Birchbox and one that I actually quite like. My Topshop eyelash curlers are getting pretty battered so it's nice to have a shiny new pair, but I'll have to report back on how they fare because today was a make-up free day for me!

Gerda Spillmann Bio Fond Cream Foundation, full size RRP £20
Birchbox say: "This light, creamy base is easy to apply, offers great coverage and sets to a powder finish. No wonder it's used on movie sets..."

I've taken further photos of this so you can get a better idea of the product. The colour match is off for me, but it looks like it'll go nicely with my beloved Xen-Tan so it's not a complete write off.

The formula is lightweight but offers medium coverage which is perfect for me so I'm pretty happy with this. It also comes with a sponge in a fairly pretty compact which is always useful. The brand itself is not one that I've heard of but I'm assuming it's a theatre make-up brand in the same vein as Kryolan and Ben Nye and they're normally fantastic quality because they're designed to last under harsh lights and for hours at a time. So a slightly odd product, but a great one I think insofar as it's nice to see it in a beauty box.

So I'm really happy with this month's box and am glad that Birchbox have got off to a winning start as I was on the verge of cancelling my subscription altogether after some poorer JolieBox offerings! Let's hope the boxes continue to be this good...

Did you get a February Birchbox? It's not too late if you do want one and you can subscribe here.

All products will be available at the Birchbox UK E-Shop in the next few days, with Free Delivery on brands featured this month (£10 minimum spend). But, as ever, do shop around for better prices!