Birchbox July - Glamour Edition

July's box was a partnership with Glamour Magazine and focused on the five senses of summer. I'm going to be honest, this month's box didn't really excite so I didn't get into all the products all that much, but here's a brief run down of my thoughts and impressions.

The Box

The Run Down

 

The Box:

Alterna BAMBOO UV+ Color Protection Fade Proof Fluide - For someone with a lot of red in my hair color, I really should be more concerned with preventing fading, so in theory I should have jumped on using this product. Surprise, I didn't. I think the reason was because I don't really go in the sun that much so the UV protection didn't seem like a big benefit to me. I think even if I did try this out, it would have been difficult to gauge it's effectiveness, just because my color can fade quickly and I have been actively trying to prevent that. Just as an FYI, the product it self has a citrus melon scent and the texture is a nice lightweight oil, not too greasy or sticky.
Full Size 2.5 fl oz, $24.00; Sample Size .25 fl oz, $2.40

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint (Golden) - I like the idea of this and it reminds me a little of the Dr. Jart BB cream I had in a previous box, but without all the added "benefits."  Let's start with what I did like: fairly good coverage for a tint, layers nicely, SPF 20, and it's oil free. What I didn't like: my sample was too dark for me (I think the lightest color would have been better), the luminizing part of the product was just too shimmery, it bordered on glittery and for something that is oil free you end looking like a super shiny glitterball oil slick. 
Full Size 1.7 fl oz, $38.00; Sample Size .17 fl oz, $3.80

Oscar De la Renta (live in love) - This fragrance shares a lot of the same notes as my go to perfumes, but this one just didn't do it for me. I think it lost me because it is floral on floral on citrus and together it was just too sweet for me. (The links above are to Fragrantica, a website that I stumbled on that has really helped me identify the notes that I love, like, and hate about different perfumes)
Full Size 50 ml, $78.00; Sample Size 1 ml, $1.56

Stila Lip Glaze (Action) - Not a fan. The only thing I like about this was the packaging, I like the brush applicator and twist bottom that pushes more product into the tip. The color I received was a dusty rose/beige with a LOT of gold glitter. The "glaze" was really sticky, smelly, and unappealing all around. Do yourself a favor, if you want a golden pink gloss that is a flattering, shimmery (not glittery), smooth, nice smelling, and that is waaaaaaay cheaper, go get a NXY Megashine Gloss in Gold Pink.
Full Size .08 fl oz, $22.00; Sample Size .05, $13.75

LARABAR uber (Roasted Nut Roll) - I'm really glad I got this "flavor" and not any of the fruit ones, I'm more of a sweet/salty versus sweet/fruity person. It was pretty good, very heavy on the nuts, sweetened just a bit with dates and honey. I mean it wasn't life changing or anything, but it was obviously healthier than most granola/meal bars. They are pretty expensive for only 5 bars and I really don't know if they are widely available.
Full Size 5 bars, $12.69; Sample Size 1 bar, $2.54

Earbuds (pink and blue) - I thought this was a really cool extra. Who doesn't need an extra pair of earbuds? And they are super cute too, all blue with hot pink accents. This kinda made the box for me, otherwise I would have been a bit disappointed.
Full Size 1 pair, $10.00; Sample Size 1 pair, $10.00

Wrap Up:

Value of the Box - $34.05

The Good -Earbuds

On The Fence - Alterna Fluide, live in love, Larabar

The Bad -Stila Lip Glaze, Jouer Luminizing Tint (maybe setting it with a powder would reduce the glitter effect and make me like it more)

The Verdict - Kids, I have to be honest, I'm starting to lose interest. Here are my general feelings about the box. This is a really fun idea and I think that the samples are a decent size and it is nice to be able to try all these different products. On the other hand, I don't want a new perfume sample every month, because even if I loved them all, I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a huge perfume collection. And for the same reason as the perfume, I do like to try these higher end products, but I just can't and shouldn't go out and buy every one that I happen to like.



If you're interested in your own Birchbox click here. If you have any questions about cost or how you can earn/use points, let me know. 

Birchbox June - Jet Set

Photo  from Birchbox's website, my actual box had one slight difference*

The loot

The Box:

Comodynes Self Tanning Intensive - I really wanted to love these and I had such high hopes, but they just didn't get the job done. These literally look like a larger version of a moist towelette you would get after eating ribs and you basically just rub it all over yourself to apply the "tan". My biggest issue was that they were very moist initially, so I felt like I was getting product where I wanted to be tan, but then very quickly the towelette felt practically dry (there is no color so you have no idea where you're getting the tan). Can you guess the results? Exactly! I was tan wherever I started and patchy where I ended. I have to say that the color was really natural so I was pleased with that, but who wants to look tan on one leg and not the other (yeah it dried up before I got to my other leg).
Full Size 8 pack, $14.99; Sample Size 2 Towelettes, $3.75


Eyeko Fat Eye Stick (Black) - I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this. I believe you can simply swipe it on and go or apply it and blend/sheer it out for a smokier look. I think this would be a good product to help streamline the "smokey-eye" process, but I am notoriously bad at black/grey smokey eyes (I end up looking like a raccoon/Taylor Momsen). The product glides on easily, but it stays wet?sticky?, so I feel like you have to apply shadow for it to set and not smear all over the place during the day. I may end up playing with the black a little more, but I wish I had received this in Old Gold or Satin Taupe, because I probably would have used those every day until it was nothing but a nub.
Full Size .14 oz, $15.00; Sample Size .14 oz, $15.00


Likewise Facial Moisturizer SPF 50- I'm going to try to keep this one short and sweet. This was better than some of the moisturizers I have because it absorbed quickly and it didn't feel greasy at all under my makeup. It did have a slight sunscreen smell, but it disappeared quickly. All my makeup has SPF in it so this doesn't immediately attract me for that benefit and it's way too freaking expensive, so NO.
Full Size 50 ml, $44.00; Sample Size 5 ml, $4.40


The Balm Stainiac (Beauty Queen) - This is a gel-like product, that comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator, that can be used as a cheek or lip stain. I love my natural lip color, but I have always wanted a pink/red stain that would just brighten up my lips and last for the entire day. Yeah, this wasn't it. I hated this on my lips, it was too drying and just felt weird. I actually do like it as a cheek stain though. I tapped on a few drops and blended them in for a pretty, long lasting cheek color. The only downside to using this as a cheek stain is that when you blend it in, you're left with bright pink fingers (I'm not sure how else you're supposed to blend the product in).
Full Size .3 fl oz, $17.00; Sample Size .04 fl oz, $2.27


*Tili Bags (my bag was actually the orange/lime animal print) - It's a plastic bag! I mean I guess they come in cute colors and designs, but for as much money as I spend on ridiculous things, I just don't think I should add plastic baggies to the list. At first I really didn't know what I was going to do with this (maybe hold some snacks or lady products), but then I actually came up with a good idea. I have a travel makeup bag that I always keep a ziplock bag in for my brushes/eyeliner/mascara and now I will use this cute, more durable bag for those type of products.
Full Size 12 bags, $8.49; Sample Size 1 bag, $.71


John Varvatos Star USA - (this was included to help promote the Birchbox Man box) I really like this, although it's not exactly what I would expect I would like for the Boy's cologne. To be honest it smells exactly like one of his bodywashes, which I like but it's not usually something that lingers, unless I smash my face into his body. It's very fresh and clean and kind of amazing. I wasn't sure at first, but literally writing this I can't put it down.
Full Size 1.7 oz, $55.00; Sample Size .04 oz, $1.29

Wrap Up:

Value of the Box - $27.42

The Good -

On The Fence -

The Bad -

The Verdict -  To be honest I can't do Good, Fence, Bad because nothing is jumping out at me as amazing or awful this month. I didn't repurchase anything and the only thing, at this point, I would consider purchasing is the cologne. I may consider purchasing other colors of the Eyeko eye stick (although I don't think the colors I want are available anywhere in States anymore) or possibly Stainiac.




If you're interested in your own Birchbox click here. If you have any questions about cost or how you can earn/use points, let me know. 

Birchbox May - Gossip Girl Edition

Thanks Birchbox for making a lovely professional photo of my box available.

The Run Down

 

The Box:

Algenist Eye Renewal Cream - This was a fairly large sample size; I started with only a tiny amount and now I'm using a good size amount and it has still lasted for weeks. I have been using it nightly, but I haven't noticed that it's done anything for me. I don't have any wrinkles, so I wouldn't be able to tell if there was any improvement. I do have dark circles, but there didn't seem to be any improvement on that front. Perhaps in my case this would work as a preventative cream, but I'm not going to spend this much on a product to feel like it may or may not be doing anything.
Full Size 15ml, $65; Sample Size 7ml, $30.33

Color Club Foil Collection (Disco Nap) - So right after I was talking about a Rage, I received another gold nail polish. I just swatched it on my nail wheel, but I didn't notice any application problems. What I liked is that the finish wasn't particularly grainy or streaky. I know I see Color Club around places, but I can't think of a store off the top of my head. While it's a nice polish and $8 is a fairly standard price, it's not anything super special and I think you might be able find something just as nice for a bit cheaper.
Full Size .5 fl oz, $8; Sample Size .25 fl oz, $4

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm - I believe this is one of the first BB (beauty balm) creams to come to the States; they are supposed to be like a tinted moisturizer on steroids. This particular one is a moisturizer, SPF 25, and a treatment serum. I've heard good things about BB Creams and was interested to try one out. The coverage was ok, I'm a full coverage foundation kinda girl, so I definitely had to build it a little. Personally I would use it when I don't have much time to get ready or on the weekends when I don't feel like putting on a full face of makeup. I can't really say much for the "treatment" benefit of this product, since I basically used the whole sample for just one application. SIDE STORY: I thought my sample was empty when I got it because the product didn't come out of the tube easily. So I emailed Birchbox and they sent me two replacement tubes. At some point I plan on using the two samples for as long as I can to see if there is something to the "treatment" claim.
Full Size 1.7 fl oz, $32; Sample Size .06 fl oz, $1.13

Ojon Volume Shampoo - I have been on the hunt for a good shampoo since my hair colorist keeps yelling at me about the shampoo/conditioner I'm currently using. I'm a little lost because I need a color protector and I want to get a little volume for my sad, thin, limp hair. The sample was enough for about three uses, unfortunately I only fully did my hair one of those days. What I noticed was that my hair did seem a little fuller and I definitely felt like it maintained volume the next day when I didn't wash my hair (although that might have something to do with the dry shampoo that I'm currently loving). I wonder if I would have noticed more of an effect if I had used the volume conditioner too. I think I'll try a combo of the color protect shampoo and the volume conditioner, or both volume products. 

Full Size 8.5 fl oz, $22; Sample Size 1 fl oz, $2.59 

Birchbox Notecards - Honestly this has been the first item I've received that I looked at and thought, "ummmm yeahhhh, no." There isn't much else to say, it was one notecard/envelope with the Gossip Girl XOXO on one side and blank on the other. Maybe I'll write to Birchbox on the notecard and tell them they can have it back, then send it by pony express (jaded by the internet much, geez Audrey).

Full Size 12 pack, $10; Sample Size 1 card, $.83 

 

Wrap Up:

Box Value: $38.88

The Good: Disco Nap (for anyone with a normal size polish collection), Ojon Volume Shampoo, Dr. Jart BB Cream

The Bad: Algenist Eye Cream (based on price to benefit ratio), Birchbox Notecard

The Verdict: I guess when I saw that this was going to be Gossip Girl themed I expected a glitzy, glamorous, fabulous box (I've never watched the show, apparently I think it's Toddlers & Tiaras). Well it turns out that the boxes came in a couple different versions, mine was the "Sunday Brunch" version; not so glamorous. This was the first time that I wasn't wowed when I opened the box, partly because there were fewer items this month, the extra wasn't exactly "useful," and the products didn't live up to my expectations of the theme. Upon reflection the products were decent once I tried them, but it was those darn expectations that got me slightly disappointed.



If you're interested in your own Birchbox click here. If you have any questions about cost or how you can earn/use points, let me know.

Birchbox April - Natural Wonders

April Box

Natural Wonders

The Box: 

Befine Skincare Sampler:
   Exfoliating Cleanser with Brown Sugar, Sweet Almond, & Oats  -  Most times when you get foil samples there isn't enough product to actual know if it works, you like it, etc. Luckily this box came with 3 large samples and one was definitely enough for one use. I was hoping this would be a bit sweeter smelling (like B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar), but instead it has more of a traditional cleanser scent. I was reading the ingredients and I think the scent that is most dominant is Eucalyptus. I've never used an exfoliator on a regular basis, but I have a feeling this product is going to make it into the skin care rotation. I was worried that my skin might feel raw, but my face felt so soft and smooth after just one use. They say it's gentle enough to use daily, but since I will be using it with my Clarisonic I will probably just use it twice a month to keep up the softer and smoother skin.  
Full Size 4 fl oz, $25; Sample Size .34 fl oz X 3, $6.38

   Daily Moisturizer with Rosemary, Pomegranate & Rice - Well there is actually an interesting story behind this sample. The box came with 2 of the large foil packets, but I never actually tried them. Before I even had a chance to use them I got an email from Birchbox saying that some of the samples were expired (because of the SPF in the moisturizer). I've heard they have really good customer service, and I have to say that my experience was great too. They gave you a link to a survey that asked you a few questions about the expiration dates on your sample, and if you had received an expired product they would put 100 Birchbox points in your account. You can use points to purchase products through their site and each 100 points = $10, so they basically repaid you for the $10 you paid for your box that month.
Full Size 1.7 fl oz, $25; Sample Size .34 fl oz X 2, $10

Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder - I was really interested to try this because I only wash my hair every other day (the hair color I use has a lot of red in it and it washes out fairly quickly). I've tried some other dry shampoos and hair refreshers, but they mostly weighed down my hair or practically caused me to choke to death. It's a white powder that you're supposed to rub between your hands and then comb through with your fingers. I would suggest using small amounts on several layers instead of a huge pile at once, unless you want to look like this. I wore my hair down all day after using the powder and it definitely didn't feel as oily as it normally would. The only downside is that it's fairly expensive, but I feel like you don't use that much product at one time. I'm going to keep trying this out to see if it's worth the price.
Full Size 4 oz, $30; Sample Size 5 grams, $1.32

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift - I was prepared to hate this on principle, but I kind of like it. The first thing I thought of when I smelled this was "Andrea," I'm guessing that description is only useful to a small group of people. It's a little too sweet/fruity for me (like I said before I'm more floral and woodsy), I think the sweet is freesia/vanilla and the fruit is more berry than citrus. I like that I have been getting perfume samples because they can be so expensive and for me it's really hard to make a good fragrance decision in the store.  
Full Size 1.7 fl oz, $49.50; Sample Size .04 fl oz, $1.16

Zoya True Collection (Bevin) - I'm in a fight with Zoya. I've been trying a lot of their polishes recently and it's been a really mixed bag. Creams seem to apply well, but I only have neutrals so I'm not dying to grab those polishes all the time. All the colors I have been really excited to buy, have had major application flaws and then I just get sad and depressed and go out and buy 654,984,651 China Glaze polishes instead (the girl at Sally's once asked me if I have a nail polish obsession, true story). The only thing I know that I love is the polish remover, it strips polish quickly and it has an almost pleasant scent (plus I love the pump, because I have a spilling problem and now I just buy the big bottle and refill the pumper). ANYWAY! The sample size was great because you have plenty of polish to actually try out the color a few times, unlike other brands (*cough* OPI *cough*). I wasn't in love with this color, a very blue/grey toned green. I have to be careful with cool toned green/blue polishes because they have a tendency to make my skin look just awful. I did end up purchasing two other colors from the True collection (Tru and Lotus), both purple, SHOCK!  
Full Size .5 fl oz, $8; Sample Size .25 fl oz, $4

Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes - The claim is these wipes "cleanse and moisturize all-in-one." I do think they lived up to the claim since my skin felt less dry than with my usual wipes. Even though I like how they make my skin feel, I'm not really a fan of these. The wipes don't seem super moist, I felt like they were almost dry before I was done wiping my face, and there was definitely not enough moisture to start taking off eye make-up. Additionally, I was not a fan of the smell. Alex said they smelled sort of like lemon poppy seed muffins (I wish), there is some lemon pledge wipe smell and then really fake blueberry scent. I just did not like it.  
Full Size 30 count, $7.99; Sample Size 8 count, $2.13

Wrap Up:

Value of the Box - $24.99

The Good - Befine exfoliator, Zoya polish (but not the color Bevin)

On The Fence - Lulu hair powder, Wonderstruck

The Bad - Yes To face wipes

The Verdict - I know that it was Earth month and that Birchbox was into the eco/natural theme, but initially I was not excited for this month. Who looks like a jerk now? I have to say there were some good/new/interesting products that I will totally use and keep trying out. 


If you're interested in your own Birchbox click here. If you have any questions about cost or how you can earn/use points, let me know.

Birchbox March - Teen Vogue Edition

Birchbox is a monthly subscription service for beauty samples. For $10 a month you get 4-5 large samples of makeup, hair, or health products. When you sign up, you take a survey to tailor the products to your tastes. Try it, you know you want to.

Each month you get a card that explains the theme of the box and gives some details about each product.

My Thoughts: 

 

Essie Luxeffects (As Gold As It Gets) – I was excited to get a full size polish in my first box !!!  I already had one of the other top coats from this collection so it was nice to get in the box because I wouldn’t have bought it for myself.  I wasn’t sure about the gold because I naturally would have chosen the silver, but I layered it over CG Ahoy! and I thought it was very pretty (check my 2012 Nails album). If I ever do a gradient with warm toned colors I will definitely use this to blend and add some sparkle. Sample value $8 

Kate Spade Twirl perfume – The nice thing about this sample was that it was a spray top (versus one of those vials with a stopper that I would probably lose control of and end up spilling all over myself).  I bought a full size because I thought I loved it and it’s hard for me to make a decision about new perfume. Well now I’m not sure I love it as much. I looked up descriptions of all my favorite perfumes and I lean towards scents that are heavy on the floral and lighter on the musk and fruit. Twirl is heavy on the fruity and light on the floral, so I still like, but it’s definitely not my go-to.  Sample value $1.91

Kérastase Elixir Ultime – Ok so I tried it and for something that is $54 for a full size I expected to put it on, dry my hair, and look like a Kardashian….that didn’t happen. I am really interested to try new hair products because I’m not very adventurous when it comes to my hair, but I better lose my mind at how good it looks if I’m going to spend that much money.  Sample value $2.16

Tarte LipSurgence lip tint (Lucky) – I have never been a lipstick/gloss person; I think it comes from years of skating/dancing and being required to wear atrocious colors. So once again I was excited to get out of my comfort zone…. wahh wahh. This isn’t the product that is going to convert me. Lucky is a medium pink, but because I have fairly red lips it looked too pale. Ok so it’s supposed to promote moisture, except it’s matte (does that makes sense to anyone, cuz it doesn’t to me). It dries weird and never seems smooth or glossy, it looks like it’s been all day and cracked the moment you put it on. I put a gloss over it and that improved it slightly but you can’t rub your lips together or it clumps up. Overall, not impressed. Sample value $24

Twistband Hair Ties – The one in the picture is white, but I actually got a light pink in my box (I know it looks weird, I promise it's a regular looking hair tie). I really liked these so I actually purchased a bunch more. They claim to not leave dents in your hair, but because I have thin hair I have to wrap it around a lot so it did leave a dent (but not a very obvious one). I mostly wear them at night, what I like most about them is that my ponytail is in the same place when I go to bed and when I wake up. I suppose if I ever exercised I would use them then too, because they don’t budge. As a bonus, they kinda look like you’ve wrapped a ribbon around your hair because they are actually knotted with a short tail (as opposed to a circle like most hair ties), it’s cute and I like it. Sample value $1.50

ModCloth discount card – I think I threw this out cuz it was some amount off a clothing website, I think mostly for prom dresses….nice idea but clearly not for me.

Wrap Up: 

 

Value of the Box - $37.57 

The Good – Twist bands, Twirl, Essie polish

The Bad – LipSurgence, Kérastase hair business 

Verdict – I think this was a great first box! There were things that I would never have bought myself that I’m glad I had the chance to try.