Birchbox

July 2014

Howdy Folks!

I am constantly late, you notice that? I'm horrible, I know. I've kind of lost the fire to blog so I do these when I get the gumption to give it a go. I did want to get this up, however, before my August box came. I did mention in a blog post that I had cancelled this and my beautyboxfive. I resumed this subscription so you will continue to see Birchbox being updated. I was serious though, I have a TON of sample products. I am going to give it my all, starting this month, to actually use the samples I'm given. Crazy concept, using the samples.

And, like what usually happens with late posts, I lost the information cards that came with the box. I haven't a clue what the names of these are besides what you see in the picture. I'm going to go ahead and upload all of the pictures that I have so you can see them. I haven't tried any of these products yet. Yes, this post is very uninformative and disappointing. Next month, folks, next month.

Until Next Time,

Rebecca

June 2014

Hey Everyone!

I apologize that this is up late. However, I did mention that I was going on vacation and I wouldn't be receiving this box until I was gone because I had cancelled and then re-subed. That pushed my ship date to the 25th and I left the 22nd. My July is on it's way so I figured I should get this one up before that one arrives!

Let's get to it!

Here is what I received in my June box. I have to admit, I am kind of impressed, regardless of the foil packets. June's theme was Away We Go!

• Cynthia Rowley Beauty Black Eyeliner (BB Exclusive)
• Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and OI All in One Milk
• Harvey Prince Hello
• Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit (BB Exclusive)
• Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Black Eyeliner: Full-size, $16

"A luxe, creamy liner from the NYC-based designer for smudge-proof, all-day wear. Glide along lash line for a defined look or blend within 30 seconds for a smoky eye."

I don't normally do eye liners, but I do enjoy a good sample. I did splurge on vacation and get the Too Faced A La Mode palette. I am excited to try some looks and trying to do a small cat eye.

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and OI All in One Milk: Full-size, $24-$28

"This strand-smoothing trio softens, detangles, and tames frizz for remarkably sleek locks. Apply shampoo and rinse. Follow with conditioner. Use leave-in treatment before styling."

So, not a huge fan of getting shampoo samples, simply because they usually come in foil packets. While this is a very generous shampoo sample, it will be a mess to keep the conditioner and milk after opening them. However, I did just get about 5 inches chopped from my hair so it is more susceptible to looking huge because of the humidity in the air. I think that will be my driving force in giving this a try one day.

Harvey Prince Hello: Full-size, $55

"Best-selling spritz that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. Well, hello there! Apply to pulse points and let this upbeat scent do the talking."

This might look familiar to those of you who keep track of my Ipsy bags. I received this just the other month in my Ipsy. While I do adore the scent, I wish I had gotten something new to try! This will do, though!

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit: Full-size, $24.50

"British award winner that uses a two-step ritual to gently purify all skin types. Massage into skin. Soak muslin cloth with hot water, then wipe off in small circles."

I saw this box and I immediately thought that we were getting something super luxe. I was kind of right! This looks like an amazing product and I can't wait to try it! I had a ton of texture on my face. I'm talking tiny little bumps that did not look like anything in particular. I started using my Clarisonic again over vacation and a lot that texture has subsided. I'm excited to see if this will help tackle my annoying blackheads. And for the price point for a full-size, totally purchasable if it works!

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology: Full-size, $19

"This lightweight cream provides water-resistant, SPF 30+ protection anywhere you need it. Apply to face and body 30 minutes before sun exposure."

At first glance this seemed to be like most of the other SPF samples I have been bombarded with lately due to the summer. However, this wants you to apply a whopping 30 minutes before sun exposure! I don't know about you, but if I need to be out of the house in 5, this little baby isn't going to do much for me if I don't remember to apply it right after I get out of the shower. Needless to say, this would be ideal for a planned day in the sun where you know you have a 30 minute drive ahead of you. Apply before you leave the house and you'll be good to go. Not sure how reapplication will work though.

That's it! That's what I got for June and it wasn't that bad considering!! Stay tuned because July's box should be here before you know it!

May 2014

I have not had the best of luck these past couple of months. Between not wanting to do my nails and not being able to find the polishes in stores that I do want, its just been a bumpy couple of months for me. I do apologize for not having April up. April was the month of trying to jam papers and prepare for finals so that month went by in a blur. I do, however, have May's Birchbox for you today. If you did not have a chance to read my message over on my beautyboxfive page, than I shall reiterate for you here. This will be my final Birch Box. My first few months were pretty awesome and I was enjoying receiving them. However, the past two were mostly foil packets and the like that I probably won't get around to using. I enjoyed my beautyboxfive so much that I wanted to give that one a go for a little while. While this is not goodbye forever for Birch Box, it is goodbye for now.

Let's get started.

This months theme was Freewheeling. This time of year, with the gorgeous weather, you're always in motion. These products are to help you enjoy the most out of your excursions by keeping you prepped and primed and ready for anything.

What I received:

• Caldrea Body Wash and Body Lotion
• CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
• Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, Shampoo & Conditioner
• Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm
• LifeStyle Extra: Greenleaf Candle Co. Greenleaf Candle in First Blush

Caldrea Body Wash and Body Lotion: Full-size, $18-$22

"Full of good-for-you ingredients, this botanical duo cleanses, hydrates, and softens skin. Apply wash to damp skin and rinse. After drying off, massage lotion into skin."

I don't want to say I have sensitive skin. But if there is an ingredient in body wash that gives it a shimmery appearance, it makes me break out in a huge rash. I've had it happen many times. Recently, I had it happen with a seemingly fine body wash. Needless to say, I am slightly hesitant to give a body wash a test run when I don't know if I will be dealing with a rash for the better part of a week or two after the fact.

CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40: Full-size, $20

"Oil-free, mineral sunscreen that blends in sheer for a matte finish. Fifteen minutes before stepping outside, smooth a nickel-sized amount over face and neck."

Since it was just Memorial Day weekend, I decided to go outside and do some much needed yard work that was put off from winter time. I decided to go ahead and use this stuff since I had a hard time trying to figure out when I would actually use it since I am not very conscious of my needs to put sunscreen on my face. I will be honest, I did not read the description too closely. All I knew was that it was a face SPF. I was surprised when I opened it up and it was tinted. I was even more surprised when it went on like silk. This stuff doesn't even feel like lotion. It has a powder finish and it doesn't seem to move either. Even after sweating outside I did not have tinted streaks running down my face from this SPF. I think that this stuff is a dream for if you wanted to have a little coverage but didn't want to wear a heavy foundation or even a bb cream that may not offer SPF protection!

Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, Shampoo & Conditioner: $11.99-$17.99

"This oil-infused trio helps keep color vibrant for up to twice as long -- without sulfates. Smooth primer throughout dry hair before showering. Follow with shampoo and conditioner."

I probably won't use this. I did have color treated hair but I have been letting it grow out for a few months now. I have no qualms with the color it has faded too so this wasn't really necessary for me to receive. That is probably my fault for leaving my beauty profile slated for color treated hair. However, this was basically one large foil packet and something you could probably get for free if you went to the Nexxus site and requested it.

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm - Pixi Pink: Full-size, $8

"Dual-purpose balm that hydrates with shea butter while giving lips a pretty wash of color. Swipe onto lips for instant moisture. Wear alone or layered under lipstick."

I was most excited when I saw this item. I do like the pixi brand of makeup. I have received other items from this brand in iPsy bags and I do love them. This goes on like any other tinted lib balm. It has a wash of bright pink that is easily wearable alone. I'm not sure what it is with me, but I have to exfoliate my lips in order for tinted lip balms to not look like a blotchy mess on my lips. It always seems that tinted lip balms make my lips look like they're peeling.

Greenleaf Candle Co in First Blush: Full-size, $17

"Celebrate the season with this airy candle, which layers soft poppies over white musk. Place in a holder or on a dish before lighting. Enjoy the springtime scent!"

This was my lifestyle extra this month. When I opened the box I thought a fragrance broke. However, it was just the sweet aroma of this candle! I am looking forward to burning this!

That is it! As you can see, the month wasn't all misses, but not a lot of hits either. As it is now, hubby's and my monthly subs are about the same price. I don't want to go past that or i'll have to find him another sub service ;-).

I would say stay tuned but there won't be another one until I decide to get rid of my beautyboxfive. I did order a special mystery box, and I think it's Aprils, so that should be up over there once I get it!

April 2014

I apologize but I do not have this month to show you :(

March 2014

Greetings everyone!

I'm back! About a week later than I promised, but what are you going to do, right? I do apologize for being so tardy! Let's jump in! This is my March 2014 birch box!

What I received:

• Air Repair Rescue Balm
• Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle
• COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face
• theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples?® Cheek & Lip Cream

Air Repair Rescue Balm: Full-Size, $12

"Balms away! This all-natural salve repairs dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body. Dab onto chapped lips, cuticles, hands, elbows, and knees."

I have to say I was most intrigued to use this on my chronically dry lips. I have to drink water every two seconds of the day to not walk away by the end of it with dry lips. I really do like this stuff. Just the tiniest bit covers my lips and gives them a deep penetrating moisture. I must say, though, that the sample is mostly air; which stinks. I was hoping for more to work with over time, but you have to really work to get what product is in this tube out. Overall, I do enjoy it!

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle: Full-size, $21.95

"Best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness. Spritz generously onto damp strands before styling. Warning: The heady scent is addictive."

This is something I am really excited to use. I don't use heat products on my hair. Never really have, except for the occasional blow dry. My hair is naturally wavy, and if I want a harder curl, I just stick it up in a hair clip and in a couple hours it's curl city! I love it! I am always up for trying a product that will help lock in my hair color though. I am not a one color kinda gal, I like to experiment. So, it is important for me that when I do use a hot tool, I don't want to damage my hair any more than I already have :)

COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face: Full-size, $36

"Organic tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection that evens tone and masks flaws. Smooth a thin layer onto clean skin."

So, I received two of these. Not sure if that was a mistake, but I like having more to try! Either way, I am excited to give this a whirl. This is only something that I would use during the spring or fall/winter months. This would melt off my face within 5 minutes of going outside in the heat, so I will have to give this one a go soon before it's too late to try!

theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples?® Cheek & Lip Cream: Full-Size, $32

"From the just-launched palette, a dual-purpose, creamy stain with just a hint of shimmer. Apple to the, er, apples of cheeks and blend. Dab onto lips for a pretty flush."

Is this not the cutest thing you have every seen!? I saw this and was instantly drawn to it. I don't have any products from theBalm and I don't really vie for any higher end brands, since I am a simple makeup kind of gal, but this was just so adorable. I haven't given it a go yet. However, I might use it today when I go out to the store with little man!

There you have it! I have been pretty impressed with all of my boxes so far! I know this is pretty unheard of because I know a lot of people get foil packets, which they despise. I'm not a fan of them myself since you can get sample sizes like that for free. But, if that is all birch box has available to them, they have to work with what they have. 

Stay tuned for next month! Until then,

Rebecca

February 2014

Greetings!

I am here to bring you what I have received in my February Birchbox! I was pretty content with the contents that I got in this box too, so lets jump on in!

The items I received were:

• Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil
• Eyeko - Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
• Juicy Couture - Couture La La Malibu
• OPI - Sheer Tints in Be Magentale with Me
• Lifestyle Extra ** Harney & Sons Fine Teas in Organic Bangkok and Mint Verbena

Beauty Protector

What it is: Exclusive Launch! This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage. A full-size of this product costs $21.95

I was intrigued when I saw this. I don't normally use a lot of products in my hair; I am a strictly shampoo and conditioner (sometimes) kind of gal. But, I am up for trying new things that may bring life to my hair.

Eyeko

What it is: Direct from the UK, this user-friendly liner glides on easily and stays true for hours. A full-size of this product costs $16.

I was pretty excited about having this product just the other day. I never do eye liner because I think it looks really weird on me, but Grav3yardgirl on YouTube LOVES this eyeliner. So now, naturally I am excited to try it out!

Juicy Couture

What it is: Breezy SoCal-inspired scent that mingles sparkling mandarin with pink sugar. A full-size of this product costs $52-$72.

Once again, I LOVE these little fragrance testers. I don't normally use any kind of perfume or body mist, so these little guys open up a variety of amazing scents for me to try; without the commitment!

OPI

What it is: This tinted top coat gives nails a wash of high-shine, translucent color. A full-size of this costs $9.

Uhm, hello, nail blogger! Of course I was excited to get this! I honestly have never heard of this product before but I am kind of excited to bust out my while polish and give this baby a test drive over it!

Lifestyle Extra

What it is: Rich and flavorful tea blends from the family-owned crafted brand. A full-size of this product costs $9.60.

Now, I personally am a huge hot tea drinker. I usually have a cup with breakfast and sometimes late at night if I am trying to stay awake. It just works for me. So I was actually pretty excited to try some new flavors. I always use black tea and haven't really branched out from that much, so I am hoping this will be fun! And, come on, look how fancy this packaging is! (Sucker for packaging)

Overall, I thought my box was pretty good again. There were a few items that I probably won't use too often, but I definitely like having them around for those moments where I feel a bit fancy. What did you get in your box?!

Until Next Time,

Rebecca

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January 2014

Greetings!

Having been an Ipsy subscriber for about a year, I always heard about Birchbox. There was always this unofficial rivalry between the two, especially with beauty guru's, about which one was 'better.' I decided that I would go ahead and give Birchbox a try, and I was so excited about all of the products that I had received for January. Mine was definitely a hit!

The items I received were:

• 100% Pure - Fruit Pigmented Mascara
• Number 4 - Super Comb Prep & Protect
• ORIGINS - Smarty Plants CC SPF 20
• Ruby Wing - Nail Polish in Ride 'Em Cowgirl
• Lifestyle Extra** Reviver - Dry Deodorant Wipe

100% Pure

What it is: An all-natural lash-conditioning wonder that thickens and lengthens with real fruit pigments. A full-size of this product costs $18.

I am intrigued by this product. I always receive all kinds of mascara samples from various places and I love using them. Usually my sample sizes are better then the full size drug store I purchase so I love having numerous ones of them to try out.

Number 4

What it is: A sulfate-free leave-in conditioner that safeguards color, strengthens, and nourishes. A full-size of this product costs $32.

I was so excited when I saw this in my box! I was watching a video from EleventhGorgeous and I believe they got a leave in conditioner in their Ipsy bag. I was feeling a little jealous because I love shampooing my hair, I just don't like conditioning it. I just love the rough texture my hair has when it's not conditioned. I was so happy that I got this so I could just spray in a leave in if I was worried about having tangled hair all day!

ORIGINS

What it is: This brainiac cream uses plant extracts and advanced technology to protect and correct. A full-size of this product costs $35.

I am not a huge ABC fan or tinted moisturizer fan, but if I have somewhere nice to go I might throw this on to even out my skin some.

Ruby Wing

What it is: This color-changing nail polish morphs from a gold glitter into a sparkly berry hue in the sun. A full-size of this product costs $10.

I practically squealed when I got this! I had been eyeing one on the Ruby Wing website but talked myself out of purchasing it. I have ordered plenty, let me tell you. My husband would string me up if he knew how much! So I was so happy that I now own and get to try one of these polishes!

Lifestyle Extra

What it is: The first-ever deodorant for your duds, this handy cloth whisks away odors on contact.

How cool is that? Just, seriously, how cool? This is what Birchbox considers a little extra. It's not part of your monthly samples, but something a little extra they give you. I was happy I got something like this. With a child, you know I have food on me, or him, at some point when we're out and about. A handy little thing to throw in my purse and give it a test run one day!

Overall, I was in love with my box. I know girls usually get foil packets or something completely disappointing in their box, but I do believe it all has to do with how you take your quiz. Either that, or they wanted to keep me around for another month by giving me a good first box. We shall see come February. 

Stay tuned!

Rebecca