Dia daoibh.
This morning I received a package. I love receiving a package before I head to work. It get's my day off to a good start!
This mornings package was quite interesting. From the dead giveaway cheesy photo above, you might have worked out that I received a Joliebox. Now hold on Irish ladies, don't get too excited yet. Here's the lowdown of what's going on if you haven't already heard.
Birchbox is an American Beauty Box subscription service. They are hugely successful in the US and back in September they announced that they have acquired/merged with French company Joliebox who also offer a Beauty Box subscription service within France and the UK.
The acquisition of Joliebox will allow Birchbox to begin operating in Europe for the first time - mentioned specifically are France, Spain and the UK. Because of this, Birchbox became an overnight global brand. In my opinion this is fantastic news as this will up the anti for other competitors, as Birchbox is a well established and successful brand. They already have a huge team in the US and so far have continued to work with the existing Joliebox team. Birchbox alone currently have 240+ brands which have participated in their service.
I'm awaiting confirmation that Birchbox/Joliebox will be available to Irish customers. I was contacted by the PR Company about this exciting news so it's looking good!
I've heard the date of early 2013 floating around as to the date of when Birchbox/Joliebox will begin offering their services to Europe. At the moment Joliebox have changed their business name to "Joliebox - A Birchbox Company" but it is unknown as to what the official name will be. The concept will stay the same; you pay your set monthly fee for the box and p&p and you will receive a box with 4/5/6 luxury samples of various beauty products. One difference that I spotted is that Birchbox offers the service of being able to buy full size products of the samples sent, direct from their website. They will upkeep the eCommerce side of things but as I mentioned branding and packaging is a secret for the moment! For now I was sent a lil tester of a Joliebox and here's what it's like.
PACKAGING
As you can see it's elegant and simple. The products come in a little Joliebox drawstring bag which is a lovely little touch.
NOVEMBER 2012 JOLIEBOX
Theme: Beauty in the City
CONTENTS
JolieBox
Joliebox drawstring bag
Joliemag (a mini beauty magazine. It can be viewed online >HERE< )
Info card: listing products received & some Joliebox info
6 Samples
Working clockwise from top:
Jane Iredale - Glow Time BB Cream (2ml sample)
Dead Sea Spa Magik - Gentle Cleansing Facial Wash (25 ml sample)
Vertumne a Venus - Moisturising and Regenerating Hand Cream (2ml sample)
Topicrem - Body Glitter 3D Effect (15ml sample)
Marvis - Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste (10ml sample)
Yardley - Royal Diamond EDT (1ml sample)
I haven't tried any of these products yet. To be honest it's not looking too impressive is it!? I don't consider sachets to contain enough product to make up your mind as to whether you like the product or not so that's unfortunate. Perhaps they're using up the end of what stock they have in order to get the good stuff ready for Christmas or the New Year!!? Fingers crossed.
I am excited to see what the New Year brings however and I will keep you updated. Below is an interview from Katie Beauchamp, co-founder of Birchbox, speaking about the acquisition of Joliebox.
The above product was sent to me for free from the Birchbox PR Team for reviewing purposes. All opinions above are completely my own, 100% honest thoughts on the products.