1 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

editor’s letter

This month we’re thinking about our role models – whether they’re the people who brought us up (Happy Mother’s Day!), our extended family, friends and colleagues, or those inspirational figures we admire. From career paths and style and beauty tips to money management, family values, strength through adversity, our mentors help us navigate life’s ups and downs—whether they know it or not.

This month’s Birchbox Crush interview is with, fittingly, a role model herself – Sarah Curran, the founder of my-wardrobe.com, aka the online shopping hub we lust-click on constantly. Laura Geller is another company founder – this time in the field of beauty. She shared her top gel eyeliner tips and tricks with us in this month’s must-read tutorial!

Also inside: We have a look at the Birchbox team’s beauty role models, take a field trip for a behind-the-scenes tour of Molton Brown’s UK factory, put YOUR questions to RMK’s makeup pro Akgun Manisili, and help you come up with a way to say thank you to the mentors in your life.

Enjoy!

Beth

PS: Flick through to the back pages to find out the latest from our blog and social channels – then join the conversation using #MarchBirchboxUK

HI THERE,

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contents

2 EDITOR’S LETTER4 BIRCHBOX AGENDAEverything you need to know this month: Your beauty buzzword, movie and musicreleases and so much more.6 BIRCHBOX CRUSH I SARAH CURRANThe stylish founder of my-wardrobe.com tells us about her life, her priorities and her beauty discoveries.8 GET THE LOOK I WHY GEL LINER IS RIGHT FOR YOU Make-up artist Laura Geller chats to us, and shares her top eyeliner tips.1 0 OUR BEAUTY ROLE MODELS Kate, Diane, Gwen... We pick out a few of our beauty role models, past and present.12 HOW TO I MEET bEAUTYbLENdER®How to use this celeb-favourite beauty toolyou won’t ever want to be without.14 ON LOCATION I TURN THE (SPA) TAbLESGet away from it all and treat your mentor (oryourself) to a break in one of our top three spas.1 6 ASK THE EXPERT I RMK’S AKGUN MANISILIWe put your toughest beauty questions to the RMK brand ambassador and he had all the answers.1 8 SHOPPING GUIDE I TREAT YOUR ROLE MOdEL Go on: They deserve a little luxury – and so do you!20 BEHIND THE BRAND I MOLTON bROWN Join us on a tour of the Molton Brown factory and see exactly how their divinely-scented goodies are made.22 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Keep in touch with us all month long, and find out what you (might have) missed online...

ROLE MOdELS I MARCH 2013

Birchbox UK | blog.birchbox.co.uk | @birchboxukSenior Editorial Manager: Beth Squires | @bethsquires Magazine Writer & Coordinator: Grace Gargini | @gracegarginiContributors: Christine Ajudua, Ally LewisPhotography: Charlie Cooper, Jess Williams, Michael EdwardsDesign : Victoria Strauss

Your guide to the latest and greatest in beauty, entertainment, style, and beyond

- bIRCHbOX AGENdA -

4 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

IT GI

RL

IT bo

y

BEAU

TY BU

ZZ W

ORDNEWS TO KNOW

Jennifer Lawrence

TOM HarDYc

Lea

nS

inG

Ba

LMS

We’ve already booked our tickets for the David Bowie is exhibition at the V&A – the museum has been given unprecedented access to the incredible Bowie archive to celebrate his extraordinary career. Expect everything from original costumes and handwritten lyrics to spectacular set designs. Can’t make it? Check out the V&A site for merch and more! Opens March 23.

Unlike typical face washes, cleansing balms have a rich, salve-like consistency. Rub them into dry skin, gently breaking down all make-up (including mascara!), then buff away using a damp muslin cloth, removing any dry, flaky skin – they’re the perfect everyday exfoliator. In addition to being retro fabulous, they’re ideal for those with normal to dry skin. Flick through to page 16 for more.

DaViD BOwie

agenda MARCH 2013

The Academy Awards 2013 belonged to Jennifer Lawrence. The Best Actress winner ordered a McDonalds on the red carpet, and pulled off the most graceful fall in history, and charmed us in her post-win interviews. Just when we thought it wasn’t possible – we love her even more.

In new documentary, Driven To Extremes, king of cool Tom Hardy drives across Siberia in treacherous -50°C temperatures for good causes. In addition to being charitable, talented, adventurous and hot, Hardy’s also just started his own clothing label. Impressive. Driven To Extremes: From March 17, on the Discovery Channel.

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READ

LISTEN

WATCH

THe 20/20 experience

fiLM

Me

faT

aLe

S

March 22. A prehistoric animated comedy aimed at the whole family, from the brains behind the endearingly brilliant How To Train Your Dragon. The voice cast includes Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone.

Love Mirrors? Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience album cements his return to music (hurrah!) on March 18. JT’s fellow BRITs performer (and Critics Choice Award winner) Tom Odell releases his debut album Long Way Down on April 15. Finally, we can’t wait for Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ rockin’ Mosquito on April 15. Find us on Spotify (BirchboxUK) to see more of what we’re listening to.

Filmme Fatales, a new Australian quarterly zine from editor Brodie Lancaster, offers thoughtful perspectives on “the places where film and feminism intersect.” Fascinating. filmmefatales.com

March 27. Danny Boyle directs James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and the ever-brooding Vincent Cassel in this exploration of memory, hypnotherapy and trust.

Trance

THe crOODS

- bIRCHbOX AGENdA -

6 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

Talk about a role model – Sarah Curran started one of our favourite luxe shopping hubs my-wardrobe.com in 2006, with the aim of bringing women across the world their entire season’s fashion needs at the click of a button. After moving to France in 2003 and searching for places to buy the designers she’d known and loved in the UK, she noticed a gap in the market for everyday luxury fashion online. The rest is history! Curran shared her story with us, plus her fashion and beauty essentials. Read on and get inspired.

saraH cUrranFoundER oF my-waRdRobE.com

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- bIRCHbOX CRUSH -

WHAt’s youR signAtuRe look?Jeans, leather or cropped trousers, with a blazer or jacket over a tank or blouse. I’m all about accessories, so I update my look with killer heels, a statement bag and piled-on jewellery.

WHAt does A typiCAl dAy At youR offiCe look like?I commute down from Market Harborough to the my-wardrobe HQ in Camden, London, after getting my son Jake ready for school. Every day is different. I have committed to finding that work/life balance, which has reduced my time in the office, but gives me more time to reflect on the brand and where we are taking it.

HoW ARe you instilling tHAt WoRk/life bAlAnCe?I’m still learning how to create it and it’s been a challenge since day one. I think all entrepreneurs struggle with balancing their work with their family and home life. I spend more time at home now with my son, and I’m privileged to have such a dedicated passionate team who continue to drive my-wardrobe.

WHAt lessons Will you pAss on to youR son?You can do anything you truly believe in if you work hard, commit to make it happen and never give up. It was something that was drummed into me at school and I’ve never forgotten it.

by gRACe gARgini

cLiniQUe I Lash Doubling MascaraTOM fOrD I neroli PortofinocrÈMe De La Mer I The MistSiSLeY I emulsion écologiqueBOBBi BrOwn I Kohl eye Liner

WHAt’s youR biggest indulgenCe?My Louis Vuitton luggage – it’s classic, chic and incredibly indulgent.

sHARe youR style And beAuty Role Models?I’m inspired every day by the people around me. My love of jewellery and accessories was inspired by my French aunt who would sit on the beach in her wide-brimmed hat with her piled-up bracelets, chains and cocktail rings.

WHAt’s youR fAvouRite ReCent disCoveRy? Crème de la Mer’s The Mist. It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for travelling – I store it in the fridge when I’m on holiday, and use it as a cool spritz for the beach.

WHAt AdviCe Would you give to youR youngeR self?I wouldn’t change a thing – but I would say to my younger self, Be prepared for the sacrifices you are going to have to make.

Sarah's Make-up Bag Essentials

- GET THE LOOK -

8 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

why gel liner is right for you

What makes gel eyeliner stand out over pencils and liquid liner? We probed Laura Geller, founder of Laura Geller Beauty, to explain her take on why gel liners are the best, her expert tips and, of course, her most recent beauty discovery.

Laura's Top Gel Liner Tips

“Gel liners are great for anyone who finds their pencil or liquid liners tend to skip during application – they offer easy-glide, effortless application and a beautiful finish. My Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liners are unlike other gel liners, that tend to dry out. Inkwell stays soft, moist and emollient, thanks to a well of Italian crafted, skin-loving ingredients.”

Hues of charcoal, grey and taupe will allow you to create a beautiful smoky eye effect. Define the circumference of your eye (top and bottom lashlines) with a deep charcoal or dark black and then smudge it.

Wear contact lenses? Check that your liner (and all eye make-up) works for you – the special gel silicone resin in my Inkwell liners are ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers.

Remember that when you’re doing a smoky eye, you want to apply an extra coat of mascara, but keep the rest of your make-up soft and natural.

Colour on your eyes looks great, even if it’s outside your comfort zone! Purples, for instance, makes green eyes stand out and blue look great.

Not sure about coloured liner? Make it a little more everyday by using a black, charcoal or brown liner on your top lashline, and then pop your favourite coloured liner on top of that. Alternatively, use coloured eyeliner under/on your lower lashline and then line your top lashline with a staple liner shade. It’s the best of both worlds!

9 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- GET THE LOOK -

Q&A:

by gRACe gARgini

HoW do you tAke A MAke-up look fRoM dAy to nigHt? Feeling comfortable and confident is key, so stick to your everyday look and turn it up a notch for night. Enhance your look with a bold lipstick, and use an illuminating/highlighting product above your cheekbone and under your brow. Lastly, put an extra coat of mascara on or – if you feel daring – a strip of false lashes. Voila! Gorgeous.

WHAt’s youR fAvouRite ReCent disCoveRy? Hair extensions! They’re perfect for making hair look fuller, and so easy to use. With so many different styles, you no longer have to be stuck with limp hair and you can enhance your look anytime.

if you CAMe fACe to fACe WitH youR youngeR self, WHAt Would you tell HeR? The best advice I would give myself is to listen to advice from other people and don’t try to conquer my destiny on my own – there are people who can help get me where I want to go… Quickly!

WHo ARe youR Role Models? My role models are women who have conquered adversity and come out on the other side both wiser and stronger. I am also inspired by women who have made a name for themselves and followed their true dreams and passions, regardless of any bumps in the road.

Look out for the Birchbox team’s tutorials using the gel liners you received in your Birchbox this month on the blog - blog.birchbox.co.uk

10 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- OUR bEAUTY ROLE MOdELS -

our BeAuty role MoDelsSome women give us the courage to try new looks, techniques and products – whether they’re our mums, movie stars, royalty or other women who inspire us. Here, we pay tribute to a selection of women who have shaped our own signature styles…

ALLY kAte Middleton

Kate Middleton is the epitome of grace. It’s so refreshing to see there is still someone who is admired because of her modesty and style, in a world where we often gravitate towards people who thrive on scandal. Always dressed to perfection, Kate is a true princess. I love that she went with a natural bronzed glow on her wedding day – it was super-unexpected. I recreate that look with a hint of NARS Laguna defining my contours. Her chic tousled brunette waves are another beauty look she’s made her own. I wash my hair with Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Cheveux Fins Luminous Shampoo & Conditioner to achieve that same silky smooth look.

narS I Bronzing powder LagunaKeraSTaSe I cristalliste Bain cristal cheveux fins Luminous Shampoo

11 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- OUR bEAUTY ROLE MOdELS -

BETHAngelA CHAse (ClAiRe dAnes)MY SO-CALLED LIFE

"When Rayanne Graff told me my hair was holding me back I had to listen, because she wasn’t just talking about my hair, she was talking about my life." In the pilot episode of My So-Called Life, Angela Chase (Claire Danes) spoke directly to 11-year-old me in the show’s trademark voiceover and – though I never did colour my hair that particular red shade – Angela showed me that switching up your beauty look changes perceptions, and that it’s fun to be daring. She paired her eye-catching hair colour with a flawless naturally pale complexion that I could easily copy (well, at least the pale skintone), a little mascara, and a matte lip that MAC’s famed Spice lip pencil was made for – this simple wide-eyed 90s look is still so cool today.

Mac I Lip pencil SpiceL’OreaL I feria Hair colour Hot Red Chilli

YSL I crème De Blush Velvety PeachKOrreS I Lip Butter Jasmine

GRACEAnnie HAll (diAne keAton)

My Mum – probably the most important role model in my life – sparked my love of film when I was very young. She’s practically a living, breathing movie encyclopedia and passed down her film-buff baton to me. I find it almost impossible to pick an all-time favourite, but I’d say Woody Allen’s masterpiece Annie Hall is in my top three. Why? Diane Keaton crashlanded into my life and is still my favourite leading lady to this day. She made mens blazers and round glasses look oh-so-cool and quickly became a fashion icon. I love how she keeps things feminine and youthful against all that masculine tailoring with a pretty peachy-pink flush on the cheeks and a neutral sheen to the lips.

Share your beauty role models with us on Twitter at @birchboxuk, and read more role model stories on the blog at blog.birchbox.co.uk

12 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- HOW TO -

introDuCing BeAutyBlenDer®

a bRIgHT PInk bEauTy Tool THaT EnsuREs a FlawlEss FacE

We spotted one fuchsia beauty tool backstage at London Fashion Week again and again – the indispensable beautyblender®. Professional make-up artists and celebs alike use it to create a stunning flawless finish, and – after seeing the results for ourselves – we’ve adopted it from the catwalk as a mainstay in our own make-up bags. Celebrity make-up artist Rea Ann created beautyblender®, and shared her inspiration for this must-have tool with us, along with her top tips for using it:

“I was working on a TV show when I needed a tool that was going to help me create the kind of flawless finish required for high definition filming. I found that cutting a sponge into an edgeless shape helped us maintain the type of finish you get with an airbrush.” – Rea Ann

13 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- HOW TO -

by gRACe gARgini

How To Use: 1 Always use your beautyblender® damp. Saturate the sponge with water (it expands!) and squeeze out the excess before dabbing it into foundation. Using the sponge damp prevents it from absorbing excess foundation, so you won’t be wasting any make-up.

2 Stipple, stipple, stipple. This means ‘bouncing’ the sponge on the skin, as opposed to dragging across the face, which often leaves a trail or mark behind. By stippling, you’re able to deposit and blend the make-up at the same time to create a seamless finish.

3 Which side does what? The pointed tip is perfect for spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes. Twist and roll that end over spots and problem areas for extra coverage. Use the round base for foundation (or cream blusher) on your forehead, cheeks and chin.

4 Remember to clean it! Wash your beautyblender® with the lavender-scented blendercleanser® once a week. (Find this in the beautyblender® Classic Travel Set in our e-shop!)

See the beautyblender® in action on our tutorial video at blog.birchbox.co.uk/tag/beautyblender

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3 4

14 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- ON LOCATION -

by CHRistine AJuduA

turn the (spa) tables

The aptly-named Sanctuary Spa is tucked away in Covent Garden, and has a lovely back-story: In 1977, American choreographer Gary Cockerill opened the women’s-only spa as a gift for his ballerina wife and her dancer friends. Inside, there’s a hammam and samarium, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, and koi pond–laden relaxation lounges, not to mention Sleep Retreat and Skincare Play areas. There are also three additional locations – in Bristol, Cambridge, and Richmond – offering the same restorative treatments.sanctuary.com I Treatments from £45.

For a more rustic approach to wellness, head to the Bamford Hay Barn at Daylesford Organic Farm, in Gloucestershire. On offer inside: yoga, pilates, and meditation classes, Ayurvedic facials and massages incorporating the house’s organic Bamford products. The space also hosts holistically themed workshops throughout the year. Just leave some time to sample the Farmshop Café’s seasonal fare (produce is sourced on site) too! daylesfordorganic.com I From £50.

Crossing the channel for a spot of Paris-style pampering is no longer necessary, since the Guerlain Spa launched last month at the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh. Upon arrival, your personal beauty coach will give you an initial consultation, not to mention a wonderfully fragrant footbath – who doesn’t love a pre-treatment treatment? Based on your skin diagnosis, your actual treatment will be tailored specifically for you, incorporating Guerlain’s super-luxe, naturally inspired skincare products. Results are nothing short of radiant.thecaledonianedinburgh.com I From £75.

We know you’re used to being the beneficiary in your relationship with your role model, whether they’re your mum or your longtime mentor. Perhaps it’s time to say thank you, with an indulgent treatment at one of our favourite spas in the UK. Here are our picks!

BaMfOrD Spa

GUerLain Spa

15 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- ON LOCATION -

49404 Lindor Jolie Box Ad v3.indd 1 22/02/2013 09:33

16 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

akgun MAnisili Rmk makE-uP aRTIsT & bRand ambassadoR

- ASK THE EXPERT -

When you came to us with your most pressing beauty queries on Twitter and Facebook, we cornered RMK’s brand ambassador and MUA Akgun and got answers. Here’s what he told us:

@stblissout do bb CReAMs flAsH WHite undeR ligHts in tHe evening? Bases containing titanium dioxide tend to reflect the light, which shows up due to the flash on your camera. I recommend using foundations without SPF at night to avoid this.

@____alice____ WHAt’s tHe best bAse foR ReAlly pAle skin?You should prep your skin before foundation, broken veins are more visible in pale skin and it’s prone to rosacea. Gently apply a base like RMK’s Skintuner to prime the skin, and use foundation only where necessary. Really blend it in to make it look seamless by using patting motions with your fingers.

@Hafsaisalwe nude lipstiCks MAke My uppeR lip look dARkeR. is tHeRe Any WAy to beAt tHis? Use a lip pencil rather than lipstick – choose a shade that matches your natural lip colour, line your lips and fill it with lip pencil. On top of that you can use a clear lip gloss or any nude shade that you prefer.

@busHra i HAve peRMAnent undeR-eye dARk CiRCles. Any ideAs?Dark circles have blue or purple undertone – these are cold shades, you need to balance this with warm colours. Use salmon, orange toned correctors to neutralise. If you use your regular concealer on on top of this and set it with yellow loose or compact powder, it will look more natural and last longer.

rMK I SH01

rMK I SH07

17 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- ASK THE EXPERT -

@twinklinPixi3 HoW CAn i stop ConCeAleR gAtHeRing in fine lines undeR tHe eyes? To be honest all concealer tends to gather in fine lines. But I find these tips definitely help – if you are using eyeshadow primer, dab a small amount under the eyes. Use liquid or a very creamy concealer and start applying from the inner corner of the eyes, blending towards the nose. Don’t get too close to the lower lashline, less is more! Blend the product with warm fingers and lightly dust fine powder to set. I usually dust tiny light reflecting setting powder such as RMK 00 Loose Powder.

bornliPPystyle WHAt’s A good eveRydAy eyesHAdoW?Earthy tones with slight light reflecting tones are good for everyday use. Shades of brown or coral tones are good, but stay away from glitter. Use a matte shade over the entire lid with a tiny bit of shimmer, in the centre of the lid. Try RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes SH01-02 and if you want to go for a bit of colour try 06-07. Fabulous!

rMK I B01

rMK I B10

rMK I eYeBrOw BrUSHrMK I eYeSHaDOw BrUSH

rMK I rOSe cLeanSinG BaLM

Look out for more of Akgun’s answers on the blog this month – blog.birchbox.co.uk

by gRACe gARgini

MereditH stebbins WHiCH MAke-up bRusHes ARe Absolute Musts? I know they can be expensive, but you need to invest in good quality ones if you want your make-up application to be more professional. An angled RMK Eyebrow Brush can be used filling in the brows as well as applying gel liner to the lashline. A good eyeshadow brush and lip brush are essential, as well as a big fluffy face brush for powder, blusher and bronzer.

Mollie cHen WHAt’s spRing’s Hottest lip ColouR? Go for pinky or coral lip colours – try RMK B01 or B10. These colours are amazing for both day and night.

stella Garcia WHAt ARe youR tips foR ensuRing youR MAke-up is tHoRougHly ReMoved?Removing your make-up is essential for keeping skin healthy. You need to choose a product that is gentle enough to your skin – I use RMK Rose Cleansing Balm for my celebrity clients, it really cleans thoroughly and leaves your skin soft and smooth.

18 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

Paying someone back for their guidance is near-impossible, but a heartfelt handwrit-ten note with an unexpected thank you gift helps convey serious appreciation. We’ve already shown you the spas we love (see page 14) – but whether it’s a little luxury, a new product you adore or something you can spend time doing together, we’ve rounded up a few more picks for the role models in your life.

treat YOurrOle MODel

BABYLISSbig HAiR i £45 i bAbyliss.Co.uk

Voluminous hair is always in style, and this simple time-saving tool creates a professional home blow-dry. Fusing a traditional blow drier and a round brush in one, the barrel’s soft bristles rotate while blowing out hot air to create body and shine. Brigitte Bardot, here we come!

KORRESpARty suRvivAl kit i £19 i biRCHbox.Co.uk/sHop

Got a mentor with a calendar full of parties and social occasions? This handy kit’s for them! There’s make-up remover and Wild Rose cream to revive your complexion, an Evening Primrose eye cream to de-puff, along with a travel-sized Guava showergel, body butter, and refreshing Lemon gum for an instant pick-me-up. Party season will be a breeze.

DIPTYQUEbAies CAndle i £40 i diptyQuepARis.Co.uk

From their stylish monochrome packaging to their heavenly scents, nothing says ‘indulgence’ better than diptyque. Gifting a candle from this gorgeous brand to a loved one ensures that me time we all need from time to time. Baies is an elegant fruity cocktail of fragrances with blackcurrant leaves and roses. Gorgeous.

- SHOPPING GUIdE -

19 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

Aromatherapy Associates Revive evening bAtH & sHoWeR oil i £37 i ARoMAtHeRApyAssoCiAtes.CoM

The perfect antidote for Friday night sluggishness, this oil revives the body and mind using geranium, ylang ylang, patchouli and sandalwood to re-energise you for the evening or weekend ahead. A few drops in the bath and you’ll be ready to hit the town feeling silky smooth and smelling divine.

YU-BE MoistuRising skin CReAM i £19.50 i biRCHbox.Co.uk/sHop

Treat your mum, sister, best friend - or even man - to this Japanese cult cream. The vitamin-enriched multi-use moisturiser has a comforting, somewhat medicinal camphor scent that magically disappears about a minute after application. Tried and loved at Birchbox HQ, this balm will nourish even the driest of skins.

Some gifts are meant to be shared, so we love the idea of an annual membership or vouchers to deluxe cinemas across the country. Comfy, independent cinemas that encourage (quiet!) snacks and drinks in the screening, like the Curzon cinemas in London, the Phoenix in Leicester, The Electric in Birmingham and the grand Tyneside in Newcastle are the perfect way to watch the latest chick flick in style. Once you’ve shared a movie, why not share your beauty secret with them? Yes, we’re biased, but we think a Birchbox subscription is the perfect monthly treat delivered straight to your recipient’s door.

curzoncinemas.com i phoenix.org.uk i theelectric.co.uk i tynesidecinema.co.uk i birchbox.co.uk

- SHOPPING GUIdE -

ExclusIvE mEmbERsHIPs I movIEs and bEauTy

by gRACe gARgini

20 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- bEHINd THE bRANd -

Ever wanted to step behind the scenes at your favourite skincare brands? I was invited to tour Molton Brown’s divinely scented Green Street factory just outside London, where 90% of their products are designed, developed, and manufactured. Come inside with me!

Molton Brown

After being greeted by company director Jim Higginson, I got kitted out in a disposable lab coat and was shown the enormous tanks which are used to mix the shower gels (they take six hours to mix) and lotions (12 to 14 hours!), before they’re decanted into 1-tonne containers and taken to one of six production lines on the factory floor. While I was there, one was filling a sea of limited edition Patchouli & Saffron shower gel bottles, which is a limited edition collection launching in April to celebrate the brand’s 40th Anniversary.

Those squeezy conditioner tubes you find in hotels are perfectly cylindrical when they arrive at the production line, before they’re filled from the (eventually pointy) end and then clamped shut. The Indian Cress conditioner sat in a huge container nearby while we watched, making the room smell incredible – I wanted to get in!

The perfume oil cupboard has to be the best-scented room in the factory. Senior production manager Ronnie Clyde let me take a whiff of the concentrated oils they use before they’re distilled, and they’re pretty strong! Expensive, too – just one 10-litre container is worth around £3000, and the entire contents of the cupboard I was in worth around £140,000. Wow.

21 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- bEHINd THE bRANd -

by betH sQuiRes

At every stage of the production process, samples are checked against strict quality control standards. This small room is where they’re all tested before being archived. The brand is environmentally conscious – a whopping 94% of all waste from Green Street is sent off to be recycled.

The brand’s fine fragrances – including Valbonne, Mahina, Lijiang and Londinium – are designed and developed in the UK, but not mixed at Green Street. Once manufactured, though, they come back to where they were designed, to ensure they meet strict quality control standards before being shipped out to stores all around the world.

We want to know who you’d like to go behind the scenes with! Tweet us at @BirchboxUK and tell us which beauty, style and entertainment brands YOU want to discover more about!

Join the ConVersAtion:

22 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- JOIN THE CONVERSATION -

We have even more interesting, informative and inspiring content for you (updated daily!) at blog.birchbox.co.uk – from beauty discoveries and launches, to fascinating features, web roundups, recipes, entertainment picks, Spotify playlists and so much more. We encourage you to join the conversation in the comments section on each post!

#maRcHbIRcHboxuk

We’ve already shared a little of what’s going on at Birchbox HQ with you in this magazine, but we want to share more (and find out what your latest discoveries are too!) all month long. Here’s how we’re doing it:

BLOG

@biRCHboxuk

instAgRAM.CoM/biRCHboxuk

pinteRest.CoM/biRCHboxuk

biRCHboxuk.tuMblR.CoM

fACebook.CoM/biRCHboxuk

CHAT WITH US! FOLLOW:

we took you on the red carpet with us (and Jennifer Lawrence!) at the BafTas 2013...

Our #arriveinStyle competition was announced on our blog along with our amazing pink taxis!

23 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

- JOIN THE CONVERSATION -

Not following us on Twitter or Instagram? Change that now! Here’s what you’ve missed this month: We took our followers...

SOCIAL

Tell us what you think of month’s issue using the hashtag #MarchBirchboxUK

Until next month...

The Birchbox UK Team

...to travel the yellow brick road at The Oz: The Great and powerful european premiere.

...behind the scenes at London fashion week.

...into Birchbox HQ & to our fun photoshoots.

24 MARCH 2013 - n° 3

SHOP OURSPRING PICKS

BIRCHBOX.CO.UK/SHOP

KOrreS Lip BUTTer i £7

LaUra GeLLer BeaUTY waTerprOOf GeL Liner

DUO i 24.50

TaaJ HiMaLaYa

MiceLLar waTer i £7

KMS caLifOrnia free SHape

QUicK BLOw DrY i £13.50

BeaUTYBLenDer® DOUBLe pacK i £24