Birchbox January 2015

Hello and a very happy New Year!

I received my first Birchbox of the year and I was pleasantly surprised. This month, myself and my partner have actually joined the gym in an effort to become fit and toned (not that he isn't already!)
So the fact that this month's box is sponsored by Women's Health fits my month pretty accurately.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner | RRP £19 for full size

I used this conditioner this morning, as I had tried the Philip Kingsley Elasticiser previously and wanted to see if this lived up to that little wonder. And my goodness did it.. Filled with wheat proteins, this conditioner managed to leave my hair feeling soft and far less knotty than usual, whilst giving it an extra oomph. Would like to purchase, along with the shampoo to team with it. 

 Stila Lip Glaze | Full Size | £15

Of course, Stila is a trusted brand which we all know and love. I am partial to their eyeliner and also their perfume. I normally shy away from lip glosses as I am much more of a lipstick lady. But this may just be my saviour during the colder winter month. It promises to be a "suit all shade", which actually feels very moisturising and enriching on the lips, as opposed to sticky. Top marks to Birchbox for including such a higher end make up brand too!

Embrace Matcha Green Tea | RRP £24.99

So first and foremost... £24.99 for tea? Not entirely sure where Embrace Matcha are coming from with that one, perhaps for a giant box? However, I will (reluctantly) be giving this one a go. According to the brand, this is a superfood which has ten times the antioxidants of an ordinary green tea and can be consumed with hot or cold water. We will see how that one goes.

HealGel | RRP £37.50

I always enjoy a good multi purpose product, which is exactly what the Heal Gel appears to be. It can be applied all over as a moisturising lotion or directly to arrears of concern. It fits into categories with trusty favourites such as Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream or Dr Lipp nip balm, but at this point I am unsure whether the level of intensity is the same. An enjoyable product, particularly ideal for dry elbows, feet and knees. 

Activbod Colling Finish Lotion | RRP £12

This lotion is specifically tailored to be applied post-workout, which is exactly when I used this. After showering, I applied this to my legs and arms which were the parts which needed the most soothing. I was expecting it to be almost more of a joint rub which it certainly wasn't. It left skin refreshed and slightly cool but nothing that an everyday moisturiser wouldn't do. 

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask| RRP £30

Essentially, a little miracle worker in a tube. And at £30 a tube I should certainly think so. I rubbed this into my skin, with a slightly gritty texture it made my face feel a tad tight. After ten minutes, like a face mask this is rinsed off and left my skin feeling clear and awake. 

Lifestyle Extra Pilates Band

I also received this stretchy resistance band, used to tone and improve muscle strength. Great extra for this month! 
I enjoyed the little booklet giving a new tip for every day to kickstart the (dare I say it) "new you". Cute.