Happy Holidays from Birchbox

Birchbox dressed up for the holidays.

The outer box was a lovely gold instead of the usual cute pink and white; and the inner box was more festive too.

The box contained a bunch of goodies - one of which I was particularly happy to see. The Benefit Cosmetics Benetint! :) I've wanted to receive this to try since I first saw it in other people's reviews after my first box back in August. Supposedly it provides a rosy flush to lips and cheeks (though, I'll likely stick to using it on my lips). We'll see if it was worth the anticipation.

I also received:

Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: This spray promises all the hold with nine of the crunchiness. We'll see;

Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo in Birchbox Love: This Birchbox exclusive is a pearlescent lotion that is speed to give skin a lovely, fresh look. I like that it can be written alone or under foundation; but since it has a bit of sheen to it, I'll definitely be saving it for a special occasion instead of everyday wear; and

Shea Terra Organics Shea Nilotica East African Shea Butter: I am a huge Shea Butter fan, and I like that this brand is certified organic. I'll probably tuck this little sample in one of my drawers at work for any dry hand emergencies.

This month's Beauty Extra comes from the Company, bliss. It's a sample of their that's incredi-'peel'! spa-grade wipes. Sounds like a cool product, but is not for me. I'll probably give this sample away. Maybe a New Year sample giveaway/contest? Well see :)

Thinking of subscribing to Birchbox in the New Year? If so, I'd appreciate it if you use my referral link. Just click here. Thanks in advance!

What did you other current Birchboxers out there think of their December boxes? Did you receive any of the same products? Yes, or no, what was your favorite sample this month?

Later gators,
M

Hey Mike, Mike, Mike, guess what day it is.

It's that time again!

My Birchbox came this past Hump Day, and it's GOOD :)

This month's theme is More Good (yea, a Thanksgiving themed box! :), and I really like the selection of goodies they chose for me.

Seriously, this month's box is chock full of goodies I actually like, and can use. (More) good on you, Birchbox.

"As any Thanksgiving feast can attest, this is not the time for holding back.  Rather, this month - and the entire holiday season- is about abundance in all forms. More thanks, more giving, more thoughtfulness, more samples, and of course more pumpkin pie and stuffing.

All month [Birchbox'll] be bringing you ideas for how you can bring more good to your life..."

More pumpkin pie and stuffing? Yes, please! I can taste my dad's cornbread stuffing already :) Man, I love Turkey Day.

This month I received:

1) Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow oil-free SPF 25 foundation: I'm excited about this. I did a quick test on the back of my hand and, while I first thought the shade would be to dark, it blended so smoothly and easily that I think it will work. I use Bare Minerals foundation, but i think this will work well as a little something extra for dark under-eye circles;

2) Ayres Midnight Tango Body Butter: The description card says that the "moisturizer has a heady (dare we say sexy?) scent", and that's 100% right. It smells AMAZING, and made my hands feel wonderfully soft. I may invest in the full-size of this one;

3) Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: This face wash apparently mimics the microdermabrasion process, leaving the face smooth and glowing. We'll see how this one works. I'm using a couple of different face washes now, but I'll get around to this one eventually. It's a nice sample size though; and

4) Color Club Nail Polish: I received a cool blue color called Baldwin Blues. I love receiving nail polish, and I don't yet have a blue this shade.

My Lifestyle Extra this month was a trio of tea pouches from Mighty Leaf. I received Vanilla Bean, Organic African Nectar and the one I'm most exited to try Green Tea Tropical (a blend of sweet pineapple and guava). I'm a regular tea drinker, so I'm sure I'll enjoy these.

So, as I've said, I'm more than pleased with my November box. To all you other Birchboxers out there, what did you think of your boxes? Did they contain 'more good'?

If you're not yet a subscriber, but would like to be, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link (share the love and all that goodness). Just click HERE :)

Later gators,
M

So this is Birchbox...

My first Birchbox finally came!

The theme for this month is Finishing School, and the Company actually collaborated with Ann Taylor to provide subscribers with a guide to some of fall's best accessory trends.

That's pretty cool.

The box, however,...I'm honestly a bit underwhelmed.

The box is pretty sturdy, so I'll probably end up re-using it somehow.

From their site, Birchbox states that it provides subscribers with "high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples that have been customized for [them]." All this for $10 a month.

The month's insert

"Once upon a time, finishing school meant an elegant Swiss academy where a young lady went to learn the intricacies of high society. While the concept may feel a bit outdated (truth be told, we’re more likely to sign up for a night class in Photoshop), we love the idea of zeroing in on the details: from the elegance of a handwritten invitation, to the confidence-boosting power of bright red lipstick."

The reverse of the insert card, which lists the products contained in my box and how each is to be used.

I received the following products:

Amika Obliphica Blow Up Spray: I'm excited to try this. The card describes this as having a berry scent, but I think it has a strong floral fragrance. It's not particularly unpleasant, but might be a bit too strong for me;

Jouer Eye Definer (in the color noir): Full size product, and I love the color I received! Noir is a nice black with a bit-o-sparkle. Fancy! In addition, it's a creamy consistency that went on smooth, and definitely has staying power. The tip broke off instantly, but I'll deal;

Coola SPF 45 Sport sunscreen in Mango: I've heard good things about Coola, and I loooooove all things mango. I wish I could use this; but my skin is so sensitive that I'm not about to switch things up from my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen :) I just love it too much. Lol! That being said, the sample is so tiny that I don't think I would be able to get an accurate idea of how well the product works were I to use it. I'll probably pass this on to a friend; and

Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes: Cute idea, but I don't see myself buying a full-size of this product. I'll keep these in my travel case as a just in case item.

I received this as a Beauty Extra. It's the Benefit Cosmetics Triple Performing Facial Emulsion + Total Moisture Facial Cream + It's Potent! Eye Cream. The insert describes this as a "three-step system for scoring an ultraradiant, youthful, and deeply hydrated complexion". Not much to say about these as I haven't tried them yet, but I have been looking for a decent moisturizer. We'll see.

Well, as I said, overall I'm underwhelmed by what I received. I did the profile quiz...but who knows. I hope next month's is better. That being said, the products were definitely worth more than the subscription price of $10, so I can't be too disappointed.

If you're thinking of giving Birchbox a whirl, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link @ http://birch.ly/16gHmcu :)

Later gators,
M