September Birchbox

It has been one whole year from the start of my Birchbox subscription.  I have enjoyed each month immensely and felt it was a wonderful way to learn about new brands, products, tips, and the like.  September is also the anniversary month of Birchbox, this being its second year in business.  This month's focus is on fall fashion and new trends for the season.  I receive seven(!) lovely samples plus a mini-magazine put together by Birchbox of their favorite fall trends.

Two of these products are exclusive to Birchbox.  One being Twistband hair ties, and the other exclusive colors of ColorClub nail polish.

Also in my box was Benefit's foamingly clean face wash and refined finish face polish.  I am in the market for a new daily face wash.  This one smells wonderful and leaves my face feeling squeaky clean.   However, I felt it removed too much moisture from my face.  The polish was a bit more my style, and ironically enough didn't feel as harsh on my skin.

Have you used a BB cream yet?  I received Dr Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm and had a chance to compare is to a drugstore version of a BB cream.  A BB cream is a combination product of moisturizer, serum, SPF, and are usually tinted, so there is no need for foundation or cover up.  I absolutely love this concept.  However, I prefer to use a moisturizer under my BB cream.  While I loved Dr Jart's cream, I think I might like my drugstore version a bit better.  Dr Jart had a heaver feeling, the cream felt a bit more like clay then lotion.  While that make work for someone wanting more coverage, I don't particularly like heavy creams on my face in hot, humid, southern summers.  I keep it around to try again once the weather around here cools off.

My final face product is Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum.  The serum is meant to be applied under moisturizer as a prep for the face to better absorb the moisturizer.  Plus, the have their own benefits.  Maybe my skin isn't mature enough to appreciate this product, but I have tried several and haven't noticed any difference.  Perhaps in another 10 years I'll understand.

And the last sample is a tili Bag.  Basically, this is a plastic zip-top bag adorned with colorful patterns.  Mine is pretty thick plastic and is meant to be used to hold anything.  It would be perfect for containing cosmetics in a purse or diaper bag, or even while traveling by plane.  I already use zip-top bags for these purposes, and its nice to have a bright turquoise animal-print bag to add to the mix.

Also included this month is a coupon for a $25 gift card for Madewell (if $75 worth of merchandise is purchased).  I haven't used the coupon yet, and I'm unsure if I will since it expires at the end of  the month.  I don't really need any new clothes.  However, I appreciate getting a coupon I would actually use.

So, the big question, was the year worth it?  I think yes.  I enjoyed the surprise every month.  I tried and learned about new products and brands, thus expanding my knowledge of beauty products and tips.  I really loved trying high end products I would have never bought and comparing them to the cheap stuff I buy at Walgreens.  I did learn that yes, some more expensive products are worth it, they last longer and do a better job, so I might as well save my pennies for a few of them instead of having a makeup-drawer full of junk.  I purchased more products in the beginning, but I did learn to pace myself and found how to weed out what really works for me and what I will only use seasonally.  Plus, the rewards points are really nice.  I'm not going to feature my box every month any longer, but if I find a product I love, I'll probably share it.  Oh, and Birchbox has no idea about me babbling on about their company.  I'm honestly just this excited about what I've learned and experienced, I thought other people would want to know.

Past boxes if you are interested in learning more: first box, second box, and a random one.

August Birchbox

Its another month and time for another Birchbox!  I still enjoy discovering it in the mailbox and anticipating the lovely contents.  This month's package was wrapped in orange instead of the trademark hot pink.

August is back-to-school for many and Birchbox continued the theme with "Beauty School".

I love opening the box and seeing the pretty packages!

Yet again, I received awesome samples.

• Shu Uemura: Art of Hair Cleansing Oil shampoo
• Fusion Beauty: Lash Fusion XL mascara
• Juicy Couture:  Viva La Juicy La Fleur fragrance
• Yu-Be: Moisturizing Skin Cream
• Schick: HydroSilk razor (bonus box extra)

So far, I've tried everything except the razor.  I LOVE the scent of the shampoo, its beautiful.  I'd love a lotion with that smell.  The mascara is great, but I was expecting to be wowed.  It does provide more volume, but doesn't lengthen much.  I guess I like length more.  The fragrance it nice, but a little sweet for me.   The skin cream feels really nice.  Its a glycerin-based cream formulated by a Japanese pharmacist!  I should love it, right?  If only it didn't smell like camphor.  Luckily, the scent doesn't last long.

Learn more about Birchbox here.  See other boxes here and here.

Birchbox doesn't know I have a blog.  I just write what I like and share things that make me happy.  No free stuff here.

July Birchbox

This month, Birchbox teamed up with Glamour to present a box celebrating the five senses of summer. 

Yet again, my box was full of amazing samples.

Please excuse the poor cell phone picture. Part of the charm of my Birchbox is unwrapping the pretty packages stat.

 

And here are my goodies:

• Tea Forte Minteas  
• Supergloop City Sunscreen Serum
• Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
• Birchbox earbuds
• Harvey Prince Hello fragrance
• Alterna Bamboo UV Color Protector

So far I have tried the eyeliner, the UV hair protector, and the sunscreen.  I am always on the lookout for standout sunscreen.  This one is doesn't have paraben, is frangrance-free and can double as a moisturizer.

The UV protector is lovely.  Its a finishing gloss that adds moisture, shine, all the while protecting your hair from the sun.  I think its a must have for afternoons at the beach.

The eyeliner feels like a fine point marker.  Its easy to apply the liner and it doesn't smudge with wear.  Mine came with the black one, but there is a turquoise one I would love to try.

If your interested in past Birchboxes, check out those here, here, and here.

June Birchbox

Another month, another Birchbox!  This month was full of lovely samples fulfilling a travel theme.

My surprises included:

• Stretch Mark Cream by Apothederm.
• Hand Sanitizing Wipes by CleanWell
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF by Scalisi Skincare
• Stainiac (lip and cheek stain) by theBalm cosmetics
• plus Dress Up Band-Aids by Cynthia Rowley (not pictured, I took the box to work before I took the picture)

So far, my favorites are the moisturizer and the cheek/lip stain.  Its too bad the moisturizer is so pricey, but then the really good ones usually are.  Want to see more boxes?  Check out these: May, April, March, February, and January.

May Birchbox

My May Birchbox is here!

This month's theme is Gossip Girl.  I admit, I haven't seen the show so I really didn't know what to expect from this box.  Nevertheless, I'm happy with the products.

• Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in glow
• fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
• Kiehl's Abyssine Cream
• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline fragrance
• Birchbox Notecards

So far, I've tried the body lotion, its kind of like a concealer for legs/arms/wherever you have scars or blemishes you want to cover.  It's really thick and has a tint to it.  I was nervous it would make me look orange, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've also used the lip balm. It is really light and adds nice, sheer color.  The Kiehl's moisturizer is nice, too.  I'm not sold on it yet.  It might be a bit thick for me and the summer humidity.  The fragrance really isn't my thing, but overall, I'm pleased with the products.

April Birchbox

My April Birchbox has arrived!  I had a few hiccups getting my box this month, but in spite of the post office being slow about forwarding my mail and the delivery confirmation telling my my package was undeliverable, my box only showed up a few days late.  I, however, am just late posting about it because of my own inefficiency.   Anyway, on to the goodies.

This month's theme was earthy and organic inspired products.  Now I'm not the most green person around, but I can appreciate a good, natural product.  I don't like to buy things just because they are natural and organic, the product better be effective and wow me.  This box delivered.

• Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift.  Ok, maybe not a green product, but it smells great, and my daughter loves it.  Another perfume sample to add to my collection.
• Zoya nail polish in Lotus.  Its a lovely purple color, no tuolene, camphor, or formaldehyde, goes on opaque in one coat, and lasts at least 50% longer than other nail-polishes.  I really like it!
• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer.  Its a nice, light moisturizer that contains natural salicylic acid for acne prone skin.  Its also great for oily skin.  I was pleasantly surprised after trying this product.  I normally don't like things with salicylic acid, I feel they are too drying for me, but this one works great!  
• Amika Obliphica Nourishing Hair Mask.  I'm a sucker for hair products.  Its my beauty weakness.  I love this stuff.  I've only used it twice, but I can my hair feels softer and the ends don't feel as rough.  I might have to splurge on this product.
• Dropps Laundry Detergent.  This the "lifestyle extra" for my box.  I am currently washing a load of sheets with it right now.  Individual packets are always nice to keep down the mess with detergent, but the really factor is the scent and stain removal effectiveness. 

So there is my April Birchbox.  Any questions about the products?  Any fabulous new products you've tried recently?

March Birchbox

On my Princess' birthday I also received a present.  My March Birchbox came!  The boxes usually ship by the 10th of the month, however I must have been on the top of the list to actually get is on the 10th.  I'm not complaining, in fact I was really excited.  Anyway, here are my goodies:

It's a bright, cheery, green box.  It feels very spring to me.

Shampoo and hand soap.

Green Tea blotting papers, bright orange nail polish, and a smokey eye shadow trio.

Green detox tea.

I haven't tried anything yet.  Honestly, I was busy with party and guests, then work stuff.  I really want to break out that nail polish and give myself a pedicure.  It was 80 degrees the other day and I need to get sandal ready.  What do you do to get ready for spring?

February Birchbox

As you may have noticed, I've been a bit of a blogger slacker this month.  Life's been busy with house hunting, job drama, plus I didn't feel like I did anything blog-worthy.  I like to post about my Birchbox because it is one thing I have to look forward to every month.  Its my surprise, and as you grow up, those don't happen very often.

• Glow and Go Travel Puff by colorescience pro.  it is make up on the go, powder in puff form, also available in a compact
• Designer Liner by eye rock.  stick on cat-eye liner strips
• Digital Download Green River Ordinance.  six tunes by an indie rock band
• Waterproof Makeup Remover by La Fresh.  ecco-friendly, moisturizing eye and lip make-up removing wipes
• G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream by Benta Berry.  an all-natural moisturizer
• Heart Shaped Nail File because it is cute and fits well in your purse

I love my monthly surprise.  Any of you tried Birchbox?  Any questions or feedback?

January Birchbox

Another month, another lovely surprise! 

I really treasure opening these boxes.  I'm really like a giddy little girl.  Perhaps its a bit silly, but sometimes its the silly things that brighten our day.

Now, I realize this pictures aren't the best.  They were snapped on my phone, and its not even a fancy iphone.

Five goodies came this month (six if you count the Birchbox logo magnets)

• Borghese: lovely moisturizer enhancer.  Its supposed to help your moisturizer work better.  Maybe that goes without saying?
• Stila:  waterproof eyeliner in peacock.  I'm not one to normally wear bright eyeliner, but this blue/green shade did make my eyes appear brighter.  Plus, its a nice, smooth eyeliner, goes on easy and its twists to sharpen.
• LaraBar.   coconut cream pie fruit and nut bar.  It was surprisingly yummy, I don't normally like these sort of things.
• Juicy Couture:  Viva la Juicy perfume.  A bright floral/fruity/sweet scent.  My Princess loves it.
• Jouer:  body butter in an intoxicating scent.  It smells of gardenia, jasmine, and honeysuckle.  I haven't found a Jouer product I don't love.  In other words, I heart this lotion.

And that's my monthly box!  I adore the tiny pink package and the delight it brings.  Have you tried it yet?  (read about past boxes if you are interested here, here, and here.  And more info here.)

Birchbox has no idea who I am, I just love this product.

December Birchbox

I'm a bit late posting my December Birchbox.  There are a number of reasons behind this.  Of course I'm going to blame this on Christmas and all the holiday craziness.  Plus, Birchbox had a bit of a snafu this month.  They chose to give me (among a handful of other subscribers) a brand-spankin' new fragrance as one of our samples.  Its hasn't even been released for sale yet.  Unfortunately, there was a delay in the shipment of the samples, which resulted in the boxes to be late.  To compensate for this, Birchbox and the fragrance company are offering a discount on the full-size fragrance if we wish to purchase it, plus extra points.  (the points accumulate to offer additional discounts on purchases through birchbox.com)  I think the situation was handled appropriately and I am thrilled with my box, once again.  Anyway, here are my monthly goodies:

Ambre Nue is the fragrance that caused the delay.  I love is.  Its kinda spicy, but a bit sweet too.  Its definitely going on my wish list.

EBoost is a health supplement.  It has vitamins and minerals in an orange flavored powder that you mix with water.  I like the concept, but it tastes awful in my opinion.  Its the aftertaste that's hard to stomach.

Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo.  I was really excited to try this out. I'd like to get by with washing my hair less (who wouldn't?)  I think it worked pretty well, but I'm not convinced its the best one out there for super fine hair like mine.

Nuxe Huile OR Multiusage Dry Oil Shimmer is a lovely product that is applied to the skin to moisturize and add a subtle shimmery glow.  You can even add a few drops to the ends of your hair for extra shimmer.  I adore the fragrance and light feel on the skin.

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink is to die for.  Everyone could extra moisture for there lips, and this one adds a bit of sheer color and shine.  Its perfect to wear alone in a single sheer layer, add on the layers for more intense color, or wear over lipstick.

Showstoppers are adhesive strips meant to be applied to keep clothing in place.  I haven't had a need to try these out yet, but I think the concept is there.

All in all, even though my box arrived late, I still adored my samples and wholeheartedly recommend giving Birchbox a try!  Let me know if you have any questions!

November Birchbox

It's here!

My November Birchbox has arrived!

This month I received:

• Zoya nail polish in Noel (a sparkly denim blue)
• Supersmile professional whitening toothpaste
• Jouer Lip Enhancer
• Twirl, a fragrance by Kate Spade
• Alex & Isabelle classic hair ties

I adore the fragrance and the lip enhancer.  I am eager to see how well the toothpaste works.  I'm not sure how Birchbox knew blue is my favorite color, but I can't wait to paint my nails.  Another fun-filled box and I have great gift ideas!  Love my Birchbox!

October Birchbox

Yesterday I received my Birchbox! 

I probably haven't been this giddy about the mail arriving since I was 10 waiting for birthday money!  I heard about Birchbox through the blogging community and decided to make it my birthday present. (yes, one of many)  At the time, I didn't subscribe to magazines, so I figured 10 bucks a month isn't really a splurge.  So, if you are unfamiliar with the company as I was one month ago, basically you get a small box in the mail with samples of high end beauty products.  They are customized to your preferences.  For example, I have light complexion, color my hair, and if given the chance, would splurge on hair products over other cosmetics.  You can then purchase full sizes through the website, as well as read about tutorials, etc.  It gives me an opportunity to try before I buy; to have someone else knowledgeable recommend something for me I wouldn't normally try; and educates me on more beauty secrets.  Its also great for those that don't have access to stores that sell these products.

Anyway, here is more about the contents in my box this month:

Lovely presentation

• BeFine Lip Exfoliator 
• Spackle Tinted Under Make-up Primer in Bronze
• Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Treated Hair
• Orofluido Elixer (hair serum)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream

I already tried the lip exfoliator , the make-up primer, and the hair serum.  I can't wait to try the rest.  Come November, I will be anxiously awaiting my next box.  Anyone else giddy about a special package in the mail?