Birchbox - July 2016

I’ve been debating about whether to keep getting Birchbox or not lately, but this box was one of the better recent ones.  Like my recent Ipsy posts, I’m posting this for completeness and comparison purposes, especially because my August box came early this month.  Look for more coming soon!

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris – This fragrance overwhelmed me from when I first opened the box, and not in a good way.  I tend to like sweeter scents, and this one has none of that.  Not for me.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – I’m not a huge fan of these types products, preferring face scrubs that I can use in the shower.  I also haven’t been a huge fan of Dr. Brandt exfoliation products in the past, but I will give this a shot since I’ve never tried it before.  What type of exfoliator do you prefer?  Do you have a favorite brand or do you switch things up?

LOC Ultra Gloss Lip Pencil in Punch Line – I’ve really liked everything I’ve tried from LOC so far.  I was a little wary when I first saw this color since I don’t usually go for this type of pink, but being sheer I think I can make this work.  I will need to see how it wears because I can have problems with feathering.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Curling & Lengthening Mascara – I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, I like getting mascara samples.  I know I’ll be trying this, I just don’t know when I’ll get to it, because it seems like everyone sent mascara this month.  What type of mascara do you prefer: lengthening, thickening, or some other kind?  Shout out below!

Coola Makeup Setting Spray – I don’t necessarily use setting spray every day, but I use it enough to be interested in this.  I also really appreciate that this has sunscreen in it.  While I haven’t been a huge fan of Coola sunscreens in the past because I’ve still gotten sunburns through them, but I wouldn’t use this as my sole sunscreen so I’m thinking it should work out ok.  Are you a fan of setting sprays?

So looking at this month’s box, there’s 3 things I’m really looking forward to using and two that I either definitely won’t use (perfume) or is only a try-and-see for me.

How was your box this month?  

Note: Birchbox link is my referral link.

Birchbox - June 2016

I know this Birchbox post is WAY late, but I’m going to put it up anyway so we can compare the boxes month to month.  I’d rather have as complete a set as possible for now, even if things get posted late because I can’t stay on top of the pictures.

Avene Thermal Spring Water – I haven’t been using my moisturizing sprays lately, but this may be much more useful as the weather turns cooler.

Lavanila The Healthy Sunscreen Sport Luxe Face & Body Cream SPF 30 – I didn’t know that Lavanila carried sunscreen, so this was a surprise.  I’ve been trying out all of the sunscreen samples I’ve been receiving, but it will take a lot to surpass my favorites.

Kiehl’s Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate – I look forward to trying out this face serum once I get through the ones I’m using now.  What’s your favorite face serum?

The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick Creamy Lip Crayon in Raisin the Roof – This lip crayon has a slippery feel and fruity scent, but the color was not that great on me.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light – I love Gimme Brow.  I am really glad they didn't get rid of it and, as far as I can tell, didn't change the formula when Benefit re-released their brow line.  This will get used as soon as I finish the one I already have open.  What brow products are you currently using?

I haven’t been overly thrilled with my Birchboxes lately, but this one wasn’t too bad.  I think part of it is that Ipsy has just been far surpassing them month to month this year.  Are you still satisfied with Birchbox?

Note: Birchbox link is my referral link.

Birchbox - May 2016

This May, Birchbox is getting us ready for summer by making sure we have sunscreen, and in my case, in more than one way.  While I like the idea, I was really disappointed in the size of some of the samples, particularly the Coola primer (more on that below).  At least I did receive extra samples with the shampoo and conditioner rippy packets.

Also, why is it that for the past two months I haven't had tissue paper in my box?

 Now for the samples:

• Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Plumping Mousse – This is a great size from a brand known for their haircare products.  While I don’t necessarily use mousse every day, I do use it, and I’m looking forward to trying it out.
• Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair – I’m glad I received these “extra” samples because they make up for the small size of some of the other ones.  Even though they are rippy packets, which are never a favorite, they are actually a good size.  Since they are in the same line as the mousse, it will be nice to see how they all work together.

• Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel for Body – I have always been hesitant to use peels before, but had a good first experience recently.  I know Real Chemistry face peels generally get good reviews, so I’m interested in trying this out.  What do you think about the face peel?  Have you tried out the body peel yet?
• MD Solar Sciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 for Body – For being a body sunscreen, this is a really small sample.  The tube is tiny, but since it is opaque I can’t tell how full it is.  I don’t know if I’ll be able to get a good feel of this product from this single sample.
• Coola Daydream Mineral Primer – This sample was my biggest disappointment by far.  The tube is tiny, and if you hold it up to the light you can see that it is almost empty.  It looks like there may be only a single application in it, which is ridiculous for a face primer.  How am I supposed to make an educated decision about this product using such a small sample?
• Model Co Lip Lacquer in Morocco – This looks like a gorgeous MLBB gloss, but the thing that really stands out for me is the scent.  I love it!  It smells like one of my all-time favorite Lip Smacker products, one of the berry clear glosses (either strawberry or cherry, leaning more toward strawberry).  What’s your favorite scent for a lip product?  Even if the color doesn’t pan out on me, or the formula isn’t my favorite since I don’t wear gloss all that much, the scent alone may be enough for me to keep it around.  Do you prefer lipstick or gloss?

So as you can tell, I have mixed feelings about this month’s box.  How was your Birchbox this month?  Shout out in the comments below.

Note: Birchbox link is my referral link.

Birchbox - April 2016

Birchbox teamed up with Rifle Paper again this month to give us a beautiful box, and filled it with organic and all natural products.  The box itself is beautiful, even if it isn’t my typical style.  The same sort of goes for natural products; it’s not that I am against them, I don’t go seeking them out.

I like the selection of products this month.  I think there’s a good variety, with hair care, face care, fragrance, and more than one makeup sample. (yay!)  I also love the idea of the mini face palette.  In the past, when there has been a set with more than one product, I’ve typically only received one part of it.  This time, I get to experience all three pieces.  (Again, yay!)

On to the samples:

• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – This is a hair mask, which I don’t use a lot of.  I will probably use it at some point, but I don’t know how soon I’ll get to it.
• Aquareveal Satin Bright Soft Water Peel for Face – My skin can be sensitive, so I don’t use a lot of face peels.  This one is supposed to be fairly gentle, so I might give it a shot.  If you’ve tried this before, what do you think about it?
• Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus – This isn’t a bad tinted lip balm, but it isn’t my favorite.  In fact, I own this exact one already, so I’ll be passing this on.  The biggest problem I’ve had with Burt’s Bees products (until I used the newest lipsticks) has been in the taste and scent.  This one smells like old school makeup, Play-Doh, and wax.
• Au Naturale Mini Face Palette in Lively (trio here) – This trio consists of Sangria Lipstick, Palermo Blusher, and Ivory Shadow.  I love that I get to try 3 makeup products in a single sample.  I know not everyone likes it, but I usually prefer using cream products over powders, so this little trio is a fabulous idea.  The shadow is the perfect shade to double as a highlighter, so it’s even more multifunctional. Unfortunately, on first try, these were all really sheer and required multiple applications to get it to show up, and even then it wasn't quite what I wanted.  Do you use any cream makeup, or solely powders?
• Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum – I’ve had ups and downs with Tocca fragrances, and this one was OK.  I've actually received this before and was one from this brand that I kept, but I will be passing this on because I still have the other sample.  I know some people are very against receiving fragrance samples in their boxes, but I don’t mind either way.  I’ve found some great perfumes this way, but I’ve also experienced some huge duds.  Which side are you on?

I also decided to add on a Birchbox Plus item for the first time this month.  This is when subscribers can add select items onto their box at a discounted price and have them delivered at the same time as their monthly box.  I was drawn to the Triple C Beauty Bar Mirrored Charger, figuring that both an extra portable charger and an extra mirror are always good things to have.  At first I had some concerns because it didn't come with my box like they originally said it would.  However, after going back and forth with customer service and both sides doing some investigating, everything was satisfactorily resolved.

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite box, but it wasn’t a complete wash.  I did like some of the items, and will try out some new ones to see if I can find a new product.  Sometimes, boxes that I think will be duds wind up being some of the best, so I’ll see how this turns out in the end.

How was your Birchbox this month?

Note: Birchbox link is my referral link.

Birchbox – March 2016

I’m actually going to get this out in a timely manner this month J

This month, Birchbox chose a theme of Ladies First to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.  The box itself is beautiful with its muted geometric pattern, and the products inside seem to be a good mix.

• Parlor by Jeff Chastain Volumizing and Texturizing Shampoo and Conditioner – I do tend to use the shampoo and conditioner samples.  Not thrilled that the conditioner is in a rippy packet, but I’ll deal.
• Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub – I’m so glad I got a face scrub this month.  It’s been a long time.  Not a huge fan of enzyme ones, but I’ll give it a shot.
• Clarisonic Sonic Radiance AM Skin Illuminating Cleanser – Again, I’m glad that I got a face wash because it’s been a while since I’ve been able to try a new one.  This one is supposed to be best when used with a Clairsonic brush system, which I don’t have and don’t plan on getting on advice of my dermatologist.  At least it can be used alone.
• Trestique Mini Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine – I’ve used one of these in another color that wasn’t the best, but this one seems to be much more pigmented in the swatch.  It is one of the most interesting colors I’ve ever seen.  It’s sort of a dark olive green that looks almost black, with the green is enhanced by a gold shimmer.  I look forward figuring out a look using this color.
• Cartier Baiser Vole Eau de Parfum – Not always the biggest perfume sample, but it is nice to receive one every now and then.  Unfortunately, I don’t really like this one, but I have found some favorites this way.

  

So, overall, not the best, but not the worst box.  The samples were all a decent size, and because there was a perfume sample I got 6 this month.  Yay for more samples!

How was your Birchbox this month?  Did you get any of these products?  Of course, all of the products mentioned above can be purchased through the Birchbox store, and I have linked the company's webpage specifically for that product when available.

Note: Birchbox link is a referral link

Birchbox and Ipsy – February 2016

I know this is going up when then March subscriptions are coming out, but I want to get this up mostly for completeness purposes.  If you read my last two posts (here and here), then you can understand why this is so late.

I was somewhat unimpressed with both Birchbox and Ipsy this month.  Looking back over them to write up this post, I realize they are not as disappointing as my first impressions, but I’m still not overly thrilled.  I think the big thing was the product size.  Everything just seemed so tiny!

February 2016 Birchbox

Birchbox

• Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray – Sea salt spray is a staple for me and I use it every day.  I’m looking forward to trying this one and comparing it to my usual Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray.
• Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment – I don’t use a lot of hair masks and don’t find a lot of use for them.  I recently used one up as conditioner, and I usually use them before I swim.  Not overly thrilled to see this one.
• Arrow Cooling Cheek Tint in Pink Punch – I love receiving makeup, so this was a pleasant treat.  The sample, however is tiny, and when I swatched it it was rather light even on my pale skin.  One thing I did find, however, was that this caused a stain where I had left a non-blended area during swatching that I could NOT get off even with thorough scrubbing.  So be forewarned: make sure to blend in quickly or risk not being able to get it off.
• DermaE Hydrating Serum – I like face serums, and after using this last night it felt really nice.  It was a tiny little tube.
• Pop Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstick in Cozy Crimson – I love that this is a full size product in a color that I will wear!  It seemed like a nice creamy formula without shimmer.  Definitely think this is more velvet and not super matte, but that’s OK with me.

February 2016 Ipsy

Ipsy

• Not Your Mother’s In a Heart Beat Blow Dry Accelerator – Love the product line, but I almost never dry my hair, so I won’t get much use out of this.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I’m interested in trying this out.  I’m trying to be more consistent in wearing primer, especially now that I have finished my Tarte BB Cream (coming up in my March empties, so more on that then).
• Paula Dorf Baby Eyes Enhancer – I do use nude eyeliner in my waterline, and I was pleasantly surprised by how soft this felt when I swatched.  But this is such a tiny little pencil!  I think I’ll be able to sharpen it maybe twice before I’ll have trouble holding it.
• Chella Lip Pencil in Passionate Pink – Another tiny pencil.  I normally love lip products, but this is in a color I have trouble wearing.  It’s somewhere between a bright pink and a hot pink, and I think a lot of people would have trouble wearing it.
• Luxie Flat Definer Brush – I have had good luck with Luxie brushes, and I do like that this is full size.  I’m not usually a fan of brushes this shape, but I’ll give it a fair shot.

What did you think of your Birchbox and Ipsy this month?  I’ve already heard of at least one other person who was disappointed with their Ipsy this month, so I know I’m not the only one.  Shout out your experiences in the comments below!

Note: Referral links included above

Birchbox - January 2016

This month’s Birchbox came with stickers!  The idea was to decorate the outside of the lid with your goals for the year, but none of them really seemed to fit well for me this year.  But I love stickers (I have since I was a kid, but doesn’t every kid? J ) so I know they won’t go to waste.

On to the products:

• Whish Almond Body Butter - Sample size
• IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer - Sample size
• LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Instant Body Soother - Sample size of full size wipe
• Cargo Swimmables Shadow Stick in Sea Shell (looking forward to putting this one to the test on my vacation soon) - Full size (at least the size available in kits)
• Ciate Mini Paint Pot in Glametal - Sample size
• Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate - Sample size

Overall, this isn’t a bad month for Birchbox.  I know I’ll get some good use out of the eyeshadow, and the nail polish is a great color for winter.  I’ve had good luck with Eco-Beauty products in the past, so I have high hopes for this one, and hear great things about the other brands.  Of course, you’ll get some mini reviews from me in my empties posts if not before.

Have you tried any of these products before?  Do you get Birchbox?  If so, what did you think of yours this month?

If you haven’t tried Birchbox yet, check them out here. (my referral link)