Birchbox January 2013

I love when my box comes early, otherwise I almost always give in to the temptation of checking my box contents online. Here is what I got:

theBalm Hot Mama blush
I squealed when I saw this. I've been dying to try it and was hoping it would turn up in my box someday. Dreams come true.

No4 Clarifying Shampoo
Very nice size and something I can always use.

Embryolisse 24 hour miracle cream
I am something of a skincare junkie so I'll always welcome a sample like this. The best part about this is the full size is only $14, very affordable should it be as good as BB says it is.

Aerie Shimmer Fragrance
Cute packaging but I'm allergic to perfume, will Birchbox ever care?

Beauty Extra: Deborah Lippmann Stripper to go
Lavender scented nail polish remover does sound nice, but I really have no use for this. Oh well.

Overall a pretty decent box. I find it's always hard to judge these boxes without actually trying all the products. I've gotten full sized things that I wound up hating, and random samples that turned into must haves, so it's hard to say whether there's a hidden gem in here or a bunch of stuff I'll never use again.

December Birchbox 2012

Modelco Lip Gloss - Strip Tease

Juicy Couture Perfume

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream 

Kerastase Nectar Thermique

Emily's Chocolate Covered Peppermint Fortune Cookie

Pretty decent haul! The fortune cookie was amazing. The eye cream is just what I needed for my travel kit. The gloss is very sheer, but a nude gloss will always get use from me. Have not tried the Kerastase stuff yet but people rave about this brand. Birchbox, I am pleased. 

Birchbox - November 2012

Whomp Whomp. I always knew my BB luck could not last forever, and this month the jig was up as I received what the girls over at makeuptalk have dubbed the "punishment box."

Let's take a look:

Khiel's Creme De  Corps
Decent size sample of luxury ($70!) body cream. Great for travel

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer - Light Pink
Deluxe sample of a highlighter from a popular brand.

MCMC Perfume in Phoenix
Vanilla, honeysuckle, peach. I'm allergic to perfume, but even I loved how this stuff smelled. It manages to be both gentle and rich, lacking the chemical odor of most perfumes (but still giving me a headache after squirting it on). I am gifting this sample to my mom, who will most likely be buying a full size bottle.

Masqueology Eye Mask
This one mask retails for $8. I'm very interested in giving it a try, but cannot see myself ever spending money on these (unless it truly works miracles in which case I might stock up for special occasions).

Masqueology Masque Cleanse (face wash)
I totally fell for the marketing on this package and was excited to experience the "bubble technology" it advertised until I realized that it simply made bubbles on my face much like every other soap that ever existed. Next.

Masqueology 7D Moisture Cream
I have not used this yet but I do not expect much. These packets were lifestyle extras, so I can't really hate too hard. Still wish I got a Chuao bar.

In the end, while this box was crappy compared to every other box this month, it really was *that* terrible. If this is the worst Birchbox ever puts out, I dare say they are on their way up. Yes, the value is low compared to those who scored $24 mascaras and $18 lipglosses, but these boxes were never about value to me - they are about trying new things. Given that criteria this box still managed to succeed.

Color Club - Put a Pin in It

The last of the Birchbox Social Media Collection that I own. Was really delighted to see this in my box. I have Orly Rage, which is a close dupe, but the finish on the Color Club is more smooth and reflective.

This is a great neutral color that has some pop to it. Metallics may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan this is a great one to own.

Birchbox October 2012 - Goop Box

I am the first to admit, I have some amazing Birchbox karma. While the internet rages over dime size lip gel and oodles of foil packets, I score a full sized Essie and lip balm. Even the Luna Bar can't bring this box down.

Essie - No More Film
Love this color ! Totally lucked out with a very wearable Essie that I do not already own. It can come across as black, but really is an awesome navy blue/deep violet depending on how much light is hitting it.

Sprout Lip Balm - Cocoa
I've been using this product for a month and I'm obsessed with it. The smell is odd, but once you put it on it basically smells like a mounds bar. The condition of my lips have drastically improved since I've gotten this - probably because I've been applying it pretty religiously since I broke the seal. It is not at all waxy and manages to hydrate without being sticky. Will definitely be buying more once I run out.

Luna Bar
It's a Luna bar! I'm glad to finally get this over with, as everyone with a BB sub gets one sooner or later.

Joanna Vargas Face Serum
This is a really nice serum, and despite the small size I've been able to use it nightly for almost 2 weeks. Have not really seen any major impact from it, so I'm not about to splurge $88 on the full size. That said, it does smell really delicious and soaks into my skin very nicely.

Marie Veronique Body Oil
While this smells delicious and is a decent size, I feel like I have no real use for it and will probably try to trade it for something more practical - like another lip balm!

Color Club - Insta This

Insta This is another color from Birchbox's exclusive social media collection with Color Club. I own a few creamy blues, but this is definitely a new favorite. The formula is amazing, practically a one coater  that dries to a nice shiny finish. I'm in love.

Birchbox - September 2012

Birchbox day! My favorite day. I totally spoiled myself this month because shipping took forever and I couldn't resist clicking on my page to see what I was getting. Still fun to open a package of goodies and play around with new things.

Color Club Polish - Put a Pin in It 
I'm totally obsessed with this entire mini collection, and seeing as I already grabbed Insta This and Tweet Me at the SampleStop, getting this color was a total score. Swatches coming soon.

Lace Twistband
The color and design is so much cuter than regular twistbands (which I was not a fan of). Cute!

LA Fresh Instant Body Soother
I thought these were post gym type body wipes, but the package tells you to wipe them on your body to "soothe away stress and fatigue." Apparently there is some aromatherapy going on here. I'm interested.

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
This is a really large sample! I love all natural products and people rave about Boscia so I'm looking forward to using this. I'm building a high end travel kit, this is a perfect addition.

Dr. Jart+ BB Cream
My first BB cream!! This sample is tiny, but I've been itching to try a good BB cream. Out of all the products this month, this is one I really wanted.

Lifestyle Extra: Brush Guards
These brush covers protect your makeup brushes and help them dry back to their natural shape after washing. Awesome, but I'm totally trading this for the LiQWD Volume Catalyst hair spray cause I like big hair more than I like taking proper care of my makeup tools.

All in all I love my box ! Since there was no perfume, this is the first time I would actually use each and every thing in here. Birchbox has had a few ups and downs, but my box luck continues and I remain a major fan.

June Birchbox 2012

For some reason Birchbox has stopped sending me shipment notifications, so it's always a pleasant surprise to see that hot pink package in the mail.

Of course I watched the sneak peak video and fell in love with the reusable Tili bags, and of course I didn't get them, but overall this box really aint so bad :)

This boxes theme was Jet Set and most of my products seem to revolve around fake tanning or preventing a tan, so I guess that works. Here goes:

beautyblender blendercleanser - Tiny travel sized make up brush cleaner

Comodynes Sel-Tanning Intensive - these are supposed to be great but I'm really not brave enough for them.

COOLA Cucumber Matte Mineral Face SPF 30 - still searching for the perfect sunscreen for my face, and this one gets bonus points for being all natural.  Yay!

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint - I'm almost on my last tube of Perricone's discontinued tinted moisturizer, so it's nice to try new products. Has SPF 15 in it which is a big plus.

theBALM Staniac in Beauty Queen - Never will I ever complain about a hot pink lip stain. Very tiny, but it seems that a little goes a long way.

Lifestyle Extra
Retro Modcloth Headband (product page here) - a $14 value but this is so not my thing. Will try to trade for Tili bags or give to a friend.

Birchbox Man Extra
John Varvatos Cologne - A LOT of people were pissed off when this extra was featured in the sneak peak video. I agree that swapping out a beauty sample for a man sample is just not good business, but it seems that this is an EXTRA extra and doesn't take the place of anything at all.

All and all a decent box. The samples are tiny, but I can't be greedy and expect full size awesomeness week after week. Also seems like I'll rack up 70 beauty points this week ($7 value) which is pretty dang sweet.

Birchbox May 2012 - Gossip Girl !

I think everyone was so excited for this months Gossip Girl themed box, and unfortunately most of us came away disappointed. The idea was great but it seemed like boxes with great items (full size Stila eyeliner??) were hard to come by. I can't really complain since my box really wasn't that bad. Also my last 2 boxes were amazing so asking for more expensive full size products at this point is just being greedy.

My theme was Hamptons Beach Party. Other than the really fun coral nail polish, I'm not quite sure how any of my items have to do with the beach. Unlike the Teen Vogue box, these Gossip Girl boxes just seemed forced and really not related to GG at all. Also the extra in this months boxes was a single piece of XOXO stationary. It's actually really cute, but ONE piece? It's a piece of paper and an envelope, they could have splurged and given us a few of these.

On to my box contents!

Color Club - Clambake Coral 

I couldn't find this color online, so it seems to either be renamed or an exclusive to this box. It's a mini size which is a little sad, but it's a really fun color. A somewhat muted yet very vibrant orange coral. Goes on a bit sheer and there was slight visible nail line with 2 coats. I found it impossible to capture this color accurately on my nail, but it's pretty close to how it looks in the bottle. 

Ojon Restorative Conditioner

A decent size sample of a conditioning hair treatment. Have not used it yet, but I like to use these treatments in my hair now and then so this is a keeper. 

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream + 

A moisturizing face cream that is supposed to have anti aging properties. I used it twice and it felt nice but went back to my usual cream because I like it better. I don't mind these skin care samples though since I am completely sold on the Olie Biologique oil I got in my last box and will be purchasing a full size as soon as I run out. 

Perfume Sample

Blah blah perfume blah. Can't use, will be giving away (am allergic). 

Notecards

Ahem NOTECARD singular. Like I said, would have been nice to have more than one. I do write letters to friends and this is cute, not sure if I'd be splurging $10 for 12 though. 

So there you have it ! I wish that this box was a LITTLE more geared towards Gossip Girl. The XOXO notecard is the only thing that really relates to the show. While the theme was fun, it seemed forced, which was disappointing considering how hyped up it was. I still love my birchbox though and look forward to next month's surprises :)

Holy amazing April Birchbox! 2012

This month's Birchbox is dedicated to all things natural. I wasn't sure anything would top last month's Essie score, but holy crap did I get some great stuff!

In my box: 

Befine Skincare Sampler 

- 3 packets of face wash plus 2 packs of daytime moisturizer with sunscreen, both use rice extract which is an ingredient I've been wanting to try. I'm also searching for the perfect moisturizer with SPF so these samples were very appreciated. 

Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed 

- Full size! $36 value! Hell yeah! Yes, part of me wishes I got the pinkish one, but the bronze looks pretty good on me. This can be used on eyelids, lips, and cheeks - I can definitely see myself swiping this on my face all summer. 

Ateliere Cologne Perfume Sample

- I wish I cared about these but I'm allergic to perfume. Oh well. 

Oile Biologique 

- Sample blend of organic essential oils. You can add drops of this to your regular moisturizer, which is what I'll be doing. Very good. 

Le Palais des Thes 

- Two gourmet green tea blends in fun flavors. I love fancy tea!

LOVED this box, probably my favorite so far since I'll be using everything but the perfume. 

Teen Vogue Birch Box - March 2012!

So I recently became Birch Box subscriber. Basically you pay $10 a month for a box of random goodies to be sent to your house. It's kind of like a mini Christmas, they even wrap things up nice and pretty for you!

This month members had an option of getting a special Teen Vogue box, which I opted for since they mentioned Essie as a brand that would be participating. Here is my box:

The full sized Essie and Tarte lip stain were major scores, as they retail for $32 alone. I got Essie in As Gold as it Gets and the Tarte in Lucky (doesn't look awesome on me, but my mother assures me it will be much better with a tan). Also excited to try the hair oil.  I'm a little confused about the twistband hair tie, since it seems to be a piece of cheap stretchy ribbon tied with a knot. They are selling these things in packs of 12 for $18. No thank you!

Last month my box wasn't nearly as exciting (very mini lip gloss, fashion tape, eye rock press on eyeliner, bronzer powder puff, juicy fragrance sample, and a free cd download from iTunes), but I'm going to stay on board because if nothing else it's fun to get a cool things in the mail.