Birchbox the mag august

AUGUST 2013 JuLY 2013

THE THEmag mag

august | 2013 Birchbox | the Mag

2

EDITOR’S LETTER

SUMMER NIGHTS Hi there, As a lifelong magazine addict, I’m so excited to share this month’s collaboration with you. We’ve teamed up with InStyle to feature product picks from the mag’s Beauty Editor Malena Harbers and you’ll also find some fab new Birchbox favourites. Flick through the mag to find out more information about all our choices, as well as an interview with InStyle’s inspiring (and cyclingobsessed) new Beauty Director, Delphine LamandeFrearson.

This August promises to bring some long balmy evenings (I hope!) and we’ve included some inspiration in this month’s mag to ensure you make the most of them. You’ll also find a pout-centric tutorial that will help your make-up stay put, the BBx team’s go-to Molton Brown scents, a fascinating story behind a product designed to enhance your beauty inside and out, plus so much more.

Enjoy!

Beth Ps: Tell us how you’re making the most of your summer nights using #BBxInStyle

02 EDITOR’S LETTER 04 THE agenda

Everything you need to know this month.

06 BIRCHBOX CRUSH I Delphine Lamande-Frearson InStyle’s bike-riding Beauty Director will inspire you.

09 Al Fresco Evenings

Spend your balmy summer nights outdoors.

10 A British Institution I Molton Brown We pick our favourite scents from the iconic brand.

12 Get The Look I Summer Nights

Bold lips and stand-out eyes = summer fun!

14 Mireia LÓpez I Co-Founder Of BlueMandarines

She tells us her favourite products and shares the brand’s origins.

16 Hair Rescuers

Turn to these when your hair needs some TLC.

18 Beauty From Within I Inner Me

The fascinating story of founder Nikki Cooper.

19 join the conversation

BIRCHBOX uk

BIRCHBOX MAG

birchbox.co.uk

Senior Editorial Manager

TWITTER

beth squires I @bethsquires

@Birchboxuk

Writer & Coordinator

FACEBOOK

Grace garginI | @gracegarginI

Birchboxuk

design

instagram

victoria strauss

Birchboxuk

To discuss having your brand featured in a future Birchbox campaign, please contact brands@birchbox.co.uk

3 Birchbox | the Mag

CONTENTS

august | 2013

BIRCHBOX THe MAG - AUGUST 2013

august | 2013

THE AGENDA

august 2013

Birchbox | the Mag

4

it BOY ALEX TURNER

When Alex Turner took centre stage with Arctic Monkeys at Glastonbury, we were wowed by his passion and performance. The band’s new record AM is set to be released on September 9th and we’ll be turning it up at the BBx London HQ while we wait for their autumn tour to kick off.

beauty buzz word DehydratioN Dry and dehydrated skin are two separate issues: Dry means there is a lack of oil, and dehydrated means it’s lacking water. Dehydrated skin can be caused by not drinking enough water, using overly-stripping cleansers or smoking. Use products high in hyaluronic acid – when applied to skin, it plumps up cells by forming an elastic film of moisture and instantly smoothes rough surfaces. Layer a hyaluronic-based serum underneath your moisturiser to boost its hydrating properties and lock in long-lasting moisture.

LISTEN

london grammar After taking the British music scene by storm, Hannah Reid’s gorgeously unique voice is front and centre of London Grammar’s debut album If You Wait, out on September 9th. We’ll be playing it in rotation with Arctic Monkeys’ AM and Goldfrapp’s Tales of Us this month.

4

august | 2013

5

about time

Loved Four Weddings and Love Actually? Director Richard Curtis is back with time-travel romcom About Time (out September 6th), starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson. If you’re after something a little racier, Amanda Seyfried stars alongside Peter Sarsgaard, James Franco, Chris Noth, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone and Adam Brody in porn star biopic Lovelace, out August 23rd.

READ the beach

Why not ensure you escape and extend your summer as much as possible by picking up one of your favourite beach reads this August? Alex Garland’s The Beach is just one of the books BBx staffers will be escaping into as we head into the summer’s sunset.

BY BETH SQUIRES

Birchbox | the Mag

watch

august | 2013 Birchbox | the Mag

6

BIRCHBOX CRUSH

InStyle’s Beauty Director Delphine Lamande-Freason Who be t te r to i n te rvi e w for o ur I nSt yl e c ol l ab or ation than th e i r fabulous ne w B e aut y Di r ec tor ?

De l p h i ne L aman de - F r e ars on i s th e l atest addi tion to th e i n st yle te am. we gri l l e d h e r ab o ut h e r st yle ic on s , advice for i nte r n s an d h e r all ti me favouri te p rod uc ts .

what’s a typical day at the office?

Every day is different when you work on the beauty desk. We may start the day with an editorial meeting to plan upcoming features or on the set of a photoshoot early morning, interviewing a celebrity in LA or simply doing spreadsheets.

What’s your signature day time look?

I cycle everywhere but it’s never dictated the way I dress. I ride in heels, no matter the weather or the season. My colleagues say my style is very Parisian, but I suspect it’s because I always wear tailored jackets over skinny trousers. I love an understated chic look 24/7 so if I have to attend a press event in the evening, I simply accessorise my daytime look and wear fancier heels. In terms of beauty, I like a barely-there make-up look.

What’s your favourite recent discovery?

I’m a total nerd, so I am hooked on tech news or talks. Ted Talks are a daily fix and my running soundtrack. I am also very interested in the current positive and empowering initiatives led by strong, professional women such as Sheryl Sandberg with leanin.org or Amanda de Cadenet with theconversation.tv. I think there are exciting times ahead for women, professionally.

Isn’t the internet the perfect platform for the multi-tasking, fast-thinking female brain?

6

august | 2013

OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go

Who are your fashion & beaut y icons?

DELPHINE’S MAKE-UP BAG ESSENTIALS: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Mist

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

The Chia Co. Shots

Clinique Superbalanced Powder Make-Up foundation

7 Birchbox | the Mag

I will never cease to be inspired by the creative world of Yves Saint Laurent, he knew how to make a woman look beautiful. My mum has a few of his ‘70s and ‘80s pieces that I’d love to steal. I love that ‘70s look of Charlotte Rampling and Françoise Hardy – they were sexy and elegant yet casual somehow. My current style crushes are Clémence Poésy and Caroline de Maigret, plus I just never get bored of Kate Moss. I love an easy, chic style.

Chanel Soleil de Tan

Benefit They’re Real!

Mascara

July | 2013 Birchbox | THE Mag

,,

8

,,

I ride in heels, no matter the weather or the season.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Cycling to work every day. Seeing Big Ben every morning and riding through the Royal Parks. That’s sheer luxury.

What’s the best thing about working at inst yle?

Working with talented creative minds, meeting entrepreneurial people launching fabulous products and learning every day from experts in different fields. I never take my position for granted and I always challenge the way we think and create content.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I always encourage our interns to take initiative, speak up and believe every problem has a solution, it’s just a matter of perspective. Keep positive, stay open-minded and work hard and you will get what you want in life.

BY GRACE GARGINI

find me at birchbox.co.uk/shop

auhust | 2013

al fresco evenings

9

Hit The Beach

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, take snacks and your favourite book to the beach. If you’re further inland, trips to seaside towns like Brighton give you that holiday vibe without the need to venture too far.

Live in London and want to stay close to home? Camden Beach at the Roundhouse is back, with 150 tonnes of sand, deck chairs, ping pong and cocktails.

Dining outdoors

Us Brits relish the chance to eat and drink outside. Whether it’s a BBQ in your back garden or a picnic in the park, nothing says summer like eating outdoors. Just remember to pack a jacket – you are still in England!

Too many late summer nights? Try popping your Birchbox Gel Mask in the fridge to cool and refresh tired, puffy eyes.

Cinema Under The Stars

There are rooftop and outdoor screenings nationwide to make your cinema trip a little different – the Nomad Cinema events (whereisthenomad.com) in London are some of our favourites!

Looking for the perfect movie snack to accompany your evening? The wonderful people at Propercorn have created a gourmet guilt-free snack that we’ve become utterly obsessed with in the Birchbox office.

Editor Beth’s favourite is Fiery Worcester Sauce & Sun Dried Tomato, a spicy tasty mid-afternoon treat (in the single-serving size) which she picks up in the big bags whenever she has guests over. Take a few bags to an outdoor screening near you and enjoy something a cut above your usual cinema snack! Delish... find me at birchbox.co.uk/shop

BY GRACE GARGINI

Birchbox | THE Mag

August is the p erfect month to e njoy the gr e at o utd o ors – i f weather p ermits, of c ourse . I t ’ s al l ab ou t p icn ic s , ro of top s , garden s an d parks. He re are a fe w su ggestion s for yo ur s umme r nights:

august | 2013

MOLTON BROWN a BRITISH INSTITUTION L ike af terno on te a at the Ri t z , strawbe r r i es at Wi mb le d on an d fish an d chip s by th e se a, Molton Brown has b ec ome a B r i ti s h In stit ution . Wi th th e i r re nowne d signat ur e s ce n ts an d ic on ic pack aging, we ’ re big fans. Re ad on to di s c ove r o ur favo ur i tes an d l earn more ab o u t how we ’ re worki ng wi th th e m: Molton Brown have reformulated their body washes and lotions to be launched on September 5th 2013. This means that you – our fab Birchbox subscribers – are now the exclusive owners of the new Ylang-Ylang Body Wash, weeks before it hits the shelves. To mark this exciting partnership, we’ve been sniffing, scrubbing and lathering religiously to bring you our other Molton Brown favourites:

BLACK PEPPERCORN Body wash

Ylang-Ylang body wash THEY SAY:

THEY SAY:

Madagascan ylang-ylang with yuan zhi and cedarwood. Press the pause button and get ready to unwind.

Madagascan black pepper with coriander and basil. Pep up your daily routine with our iconic blend.

WE SAY:

WE SAY:

“I’m really not a morning person, but this Black Peppercorn Body Wash really wakes me up in the shower and gets me ready to face the busy day ahead.”

– Antony, Brand Director

pick

“Great in the shower, but a-ma-zing for a coma-inducing soak. The calming ylang-ylang melts the day’s stresses away and makes me feel super chilled.

Siesta, anyone?”

– Grace, Mag Writer

,,

,,

Birchbox | the Mag

10

my morning instant pick-me-up – MAlena, InStyle Beauty Editor

10

WE SAY:

WE SAY:

THEY SAY:

Polynesian tamanu nut oil with ginger and lily. Wanderlust?

Welcome to the great escape.

“This spicy summer fragrance is the perfect beach holiday partner.

It’s not too overpowering but the floral ginger notes linger on the body for a while, I’ll be using this on hot summer nights.”

– Vicky, Sr. Marketing Manager

THEY SAY:

Fiery pink pepper with ginger and patchouli.

Cleanse and invigorate your skin. With a kick.

Orange & Bergamot Hand Wash & enriching Lotion THEY SAY:

Sevillian orange oil with bergamot and orange blossom aromas. It’s our original. Straight from the grove.

WE SAY:

“This fresh, fruity combo screams summer. They also contain vitamin A and B, which are great for the skin. I’ve even had guests comment on how delicious their hands smell after using them.”

– Aleks, Marketing Intern

get ready!

We are so excited to reveal that next month you’ll be getting the second step in our exclusive two-step Molton Brown body care set! Now you’ve enjoyed this divine body wash, it’s time to layer on the matching nourishing body lotion, which will enhance and extend the life of the scent. You know your September Birchbox is going to be worth the wait!

BY GRACE GARGINI

shop our entire molton brown collection at birchbox.co.uk/shop

11 Birchbox | the Mag

“The pretty sister to Black Peppercorn, this spicy scent is bursting with warm ginger and patchouli oil. Plus, the pink pepperpod extract is rich in antioxidants increasing skin renewal.”

– Beth, Sr. Editorial Manager

august | 2013

Pink Pepperpod Body wash

Gingerlily body wash

august | 2013

get the look

summer nights

Birchbox | the Mag

12

P ic t ur e th i s ; a ro of top bar on a war m s umme r ’s n igh t, a r e f r es h i ng c o cktai l i n yo ur han d an d yo ur b est f r i e n d s on top for m. S umme r n igh ts ar e all ab o ut f e e li ng g o od an d havi ng f un . Yo u’ve g ot that p o st - holi day glow, b ut what ab o ut make - up ? S umme r says b old li p s or stan d - o ut e yes – i t ’s all ab o ut s op h i sticate d s h i mme r an d grown - up gli t te r .

Fairyblood is a flattering peach with gold flecks.

LIPS One of the easiest places to wear a bit of shine is on your lips. Look for something with a subtle sparkle, rather than full on glitter. Laqa & Co.’s Fat Lip Pencil’s moisturising formula leaves a buildable pop of colour that catches the light beautifully. These aren’t just pencils, they’re little pieces of art too! They cover their packaging in unique artwork by up-and-coming artists looking to get their work seen, who get a cut of the profits.

Nicely done, Laqa!

Ring of Fire is a vibrant berry red.

Wolfman is a wearable, pretty glossy pink.

Lambchop is a vibrant, on-trend fuchsia.

pick

,,

,,

pair with bronzed skin for an instant shot of colour MAlena, InStyle Beauty Editor

12

august | 2013

FACE

13

The silicone-free formula protects skin from environmental irritants.

For normal to oily skin use this in place of moisturiser, but if you have dry skin layer it between your usual moisturiser and foundation to create a dewy finish. It pairs perfectly with Hollywood favourite, Bio-Fond Cream Foundation. After three cocktails you’ll look as great as you did when you walked in, we promise!

EYES This Rita Ora look from earlier this year is our inspiration – warm matte browns have been layered with a shimmer strategically placed in the centre of the lid. The perfect smoky shimmery eye requires a few shades – theBalm cosmetics NUDE’tude Eyeshadow Palette holds 12! To keep things modern, opt for finely milled shimmer to catch the light, instead of big chunks of glitter. Don’t be afraid to play around with different textures and shades – start light, build, blend and have fun!

BY GRACE GARGINI

shop all products at birchbox.co.uk/shop

Birchbox | the Mag

Balmy evenings call for a primer to keep your skin hydrated and ensure your make-up stays put in the heat.

Gerda Spillmann’s Hydro Pearls Make-Up Primer plumps fine lines and reduces the appearance of pores, creating an even blanket for make-up to be applied over.

august | 2013

Hair Rescuers

Birchbox | the Mag

14

A summer of f un i n th e sun and se a can le ave hai r f e e li ng dr ab, dry an d weak. He re are a c oup l e of the p rod uc ts we t ur n to when the going ge ts to u gh and we ne e d fast r es ults :

pick

,,

Takes dry, dehydrated strands from limp to luscious.

MAlena, InStyle Beauty Editor

‘A few years ago I was searching for something to strengthen my damaged, coloured hair – my strands were getting weaker and their glossy shine had pretty much disappeared. I’d heard and read a lot about Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer – a celeb and hairstylist favourite – so I picked up a tub. The name reflects what it brings back to your locks – healthy hair stretches when wet and returns to its original length when dry, but damaged hair in poor condition often snaps.

Originally I thought it was a deep conditioning hair mask to apply after shampooing, so I was surprised to read on the instructions that it’s a

,,

pre-shampoo treatment. That night I dampened my hair and applied the mask, being particularly careful to coat the dry mid-lengths and ends, working it into my locks before leaving it on for 20 minutes and then shampooing and conditioning as normal. Even after just one use my hair was stronger and more supple – if your hair’s particularly damaged, you can dampen hair and leave the treatment on overnight for an intensive shot of moisture. When I find a product that fits me this well, I don’t stop using it – ever since then I’ve used it as a regular treatment!’

Beth, Senior Editorial Manager

august | 2013

15 Birchbox | the Mag

“My hair is naturally very fine, so I’m constantly spritzing products that promise volume and texture to create that ‘lived in’ tousled look. I blame Kate Moss! Unfortunately, these types of products can be very drying, so I’m also searching for a nourishing oil that can set to work repairing my hair but won’t weigh it down. I hit gold.

Montibel.lo Gold Oil Essence boasts two sought-after oils; Argan and Amber that nourish, strengthen, preserve and protect, all the while adding a luminous shine to your strands. Plus, it smells divine! I use it on damp hair after washing and let it dry naturally for silky waves, or apply to dry hair after styling to tame flyaways and add shine.

I rub one or two pumps of oil over my palms as I would a hand cream – this distributes the oil evenly when I apply.

Then I run my fingers through my hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths to ends, where it’s usually more damaged.

Start light and build depending on the thickness or length – a little goes a long way with this stuff!”

Grace, Magazine Writer

find us at birchbox.co.uk/shop

august | 2013 Birchbox | the Mag

16

mireia lÓpez co-founder of bluemandarines

This mon th we’ve e xclusive ly c ol l ab orate d wi th S pan i s h s kincare bran d, Blue Mandari nes – ch eck o ut th e s p ecial B i rch b ox pack aging! We chat te d wi th c o - founde r Mi r e ia LÓp e z ab o ut h e r must - have p rodu cts from the range and th e b r an d’s or igi n s .

What are your top 3 hero products from your brand?

SkinLife energetic cellular cream A light, quickly-absorbed cream based on concentrated peptides that stimulate and protect the skin stem cells. By protecting these, it counteracts the physiological processes that occur over time by generating new young epithelial cells.

SkinLife energetic cellular Serum It has an immediate firming effect. It works intensively with the Facial Cream and improves skin tone and elasticity by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Rosa Moschata firming facial cream It’s enriched with Rosa Moschata oil, which has firming properties that help to regenerate and smooth the skin.

16

,,

What are your beaut y stash essentials?

We feel that everybody should be able to make the most of every moment without having to neglect their own personal care.

That’s why we’re dedicated to making different products that are designed to satisfy different needs, basing our original and new processes in traditional methods.

The result of all this is a new line of fresh and affordable products that adapt to the daily requirements of our customers.

Clear lip gloss, pink blusher and a mineral-rich black mask.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Enjoy every little moment to the full!

BY GRACE GARGINI

find our bluemandarines products at birchbox.co.uk/shop

17 Birchbox | the Mag

Tell us about the origins of BlueMandarines?

august | 2013

,,

Enjoy every little moment to the full!

august | 2013

from within

Birchbox | the Mag

18

beauty

Nikki began to take supplements for her condition and noticed unexpected results – the increase of fish oils, vitamins and minerals not only boosted her energy levels, but her skin was enviably dewy and her hair thick and glossy. After collecting an array of supplements, she found herself confused by the varying prices that had little to do with their quality, not to mention cumbersome plastic bottles scattered around the house. And so Inner Me was born.

Taking the issue into her own hands, Nikki spent the next two years collaborating with nutritionists and pharmacists researching the best ingredients to offer the whole package – health, beauty and wellbeing.

Beautify Me Vitamin Complex is a clever mix of powerful ingredients including vitamin C, MSM and marine collagen to enhance skin, hair and nails.

Your li fest yl e an d e nviron men t have a hu ge e ffect on how yo u f e e l and lo ok – it ’s no c oincidence that yo u rece ive c om p limen ts an d lo ok gre at whe n you’re at your hap p i est.

Cham p ion ing this b e l i e f i s founder of Inner Me, Ni k k i C o op e r. Here’s her incre di bl e story an d why we’ve fal l e n he ad over heel s for he r ap p roach to l ife:

Lustrous Locks is dedicated to giving you your best hair. MSM, Iron and antioxidants protect roots and feed follicles with fortifying nutrients for Rapunzel-esque hair.

Nikki Cooper was a lawyer-comecorporate financier, self confessed fitness fanatic and dancing queen.

At the age of 28 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Refusing to let the condition get the better of her, she researched the ins and outs of diet, exercise and traditional and alternative medicine.

find our curated inner me collection at birchbox.co.uk/shop

18

by grace gargini

Birchbox | the Mag

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

#BBinstyle

19 July | 2013

Show an d te l l us how you ’ re mak i ng th e mo st of your summe r nigh ts by taggi ng yo ur p ic s an d t we e ts with @Birch b oxUK and #B B xIn St yl e. Ch eck back n e x t mon th to s e e i f yo u made i t i nto th e mag !

FOLLOW US

Thanks to That Girl Grace @Cocosteaparty and @Lynzikate for sharing your July Birchboxes on Pinterest and Instagram.

blog.birchbox.co.uk @BirchboxUK instagram.com/birchboxuk pinterest.com/birchboxuk birchboxuk.tumblr.com facebook.com/birchboxuk youtube.com/user/birchboxuk

Too cute!

Thanks for sharing this alternative Birchbox use, @phoenixorion89. @annaelerihart shared her bumper-sized e-shop order on Instagram.

Until next month...

The Birchbox UK Tea

m

august | 2013 Birchbox | the Mag

20

SHOP YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

AT BIRCHBOX.CO.UK/SHOP

20