I only joined Birchbox a few months ago, having always told myself it was too indulgent… but curiosity got the better of me and I’m now 5 boxes in. For those of you that don’t know, Birchbox delivers a monthly box of beauty goodies to your door, including a mix of sample size (and occasionally full-size) well-known, exclusive and cult brands. This means that you get to try lots of products to see what really suits you before buying the full-size versions – and it’s also great because it introduces you to brands and products you’ve never heard of. Here are my top 5 recommendations from this year’s Birchboxes:

Pommade Divine Nature’s Remedy Balm £19.80 

Love at first sniff – it smells incredible! It’s a similar product to Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, which I’ve been a huge fan of for many years – but I think it surpasses this classic. I apply it once a week in place of my night cream, and I’ve definitely seen an improvement in my skin – I have less blemishes and improved skin texture. A joy to use.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser £27.00 

I’ve tried so many foundation and tinted moisturiser samples, but nothing (in my price range) seems right – too waxy, too tinted, not the right shade, greasy, powdery, blotchy… we’ve all been there. Caudalie Vinoperfect is my perfect match – it is so easy to apply, glides on smoothly, sinks in and really does feel moisturising. It has a subtle, even tone which somehow manages to hide imperfections and still look very natural. Also smells great!

Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm £8.00 

Cute packaging with a gorgeous pop of colour, this lip balm is really moisturising. The colour is bright enough to be noticeable and very easy to apply – almost smudge-free even if you apply without a mirror.

PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturising Sea Salt Spray £17.00

Another great-smelling product. I usually use Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray, which I love, but Parlor does give better hold for beachy waves if, for example, you plait your hair, spray and blow dry then leave overnight – plus your hair feels soft and smells great.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge £21.00

I’ve had some horrible moments in the past with lip stains – when you visit the bathroom during dinner and discover that your carefully applied lip stain is now a tacky and crass looking line around your lips. Mirenesse Lipfinity Lip Rouge does the opposite and fades to a just-bitten natural looking stain. It’s very easy to apply if you follow the instructions and allow it to dry for around 10 seconds, and the packaging is really nice too.