BirchBag (!) July 2015

I've subscribed to many different beauty boxes in the past but sacked them off in favour of boxes featuring more lifestyle items (hello, My Little Box!) due to the predictability of each month's selections and my drawers becoming full of tiny perfume samples. But when I saw this month's BirchBox features a gorgeous transparent PVC bag, I had to give it a whirl!

BirchBox / £10 (+ £2.95 p&p) per month

This month's theme is "Make a Splash" and as well as the gorgeous bag (perfect for travel and hand luggage!), I received five beauty items and one bonus accessory to see my summer in with style.

Benefit Dream Screen SPF45 / £25
This teeny little tub of sunscreen is gorgeous and just large enough to pop in your bag for a few applications when you're out and about. It is a matte-finish sunscreen that absorbs quickly and is ultra hydrating, all whilst offering high quality UV protection! I'd have liked to see a more substantial bottle of sunscreen in a beauty box that advocates going out in the sun, but hey, we can't have it all.

Pop Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait / £15.50
I love a cute makeup palette, and this eyeshadow trio is very cute and slim enough to pop in your travel bag. It comes with a double-ended sponge brush which won't be getting much use, but the three shades are incredibly pretty and work well with a tan, creating a bronze goddess kind of look. A nice, easy travel kit.

Parlor Moisturising Sea Salt Spray / £17
Ahh how I dream of sea-tousled tresses! This Sea Salt Spray sets itself apart from the rest with its gorgeous exotic scent and hair-loving ingredients including almond oil and algae. It can be spritzed on damp or dry hair, and is as easy as 1-2-3 with its ability to be styled within seconds - simply tousle your hair with your fingers et voila! I may look into repurchasing this little gem!

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum / £16
I've had problems with this brand's products in the past, particularly those for use on my face, but I've not held it against this serum, which I've actually found to be quite nice to use. It aims to soothe and treat breakouts on the skin, as well as prevent congestion, which is perfect for when the sun is out and skin gets a little clogged. I'd liken this to Effaclar Duo (review here), though I can't speak to its long-term effects just yet.

Unani Aloe Vera Gel / £15
Perhaps my favourite product in the bag (apart from the bag itself, of course), this aloe vera gel is as smooth and light as air! It is incredibly soothing, absorbs like a dream and leaves skin refreshed and nourished after a day in the sun. Normally I find aloe vera products to be quite sticky, but this one has obviously smoothed out the kinks and is nothing but smooth - I'll definitely be repurchasing this!

Pura Vida Lace Headband in Aqua / £11.40 for 8
I'm not a headband wearer, despite all the inspiration Blair Waldorf provides, but I do like the idea of this pretty elasticated band for use on the beach or lounging around the pool to keep your hair off your face without having to tie it up in a tight band. It is so pretty I can actually see myself working it into some sort of loose up-do when I'm out and about in the sun.

So, that's my first BirchBox experience, and I'm really quite pleased with my little selection of products - and there are no perfume samples in sight! What are your thoughts?