Two Special Birchboxes

Recently, Birchbox sent out an email stating that they had a couple of special boxes (CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Limited Edition boxes) available for purchase. 

I, of course, jumped on the offer, and ordered right away. 

Am I happy I did? Absolutely :)

I love that they each came in cute, slightly oversized boxes, and looked really sleek. 

The pink box - Prestige Headliners - contained the following:

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Crème: I've heard good things about this product, but have never tried it. We'll see how it works out with my coarse hair type;

Josie Maran Cosmetics 100% Pure Argan Oil Light: There are so many uses for Argan Oil. This is definitely my favorite thing in the box;

100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish: I received a cute pale pink color. Nothing too exciting, but I do love trying new brands, especially ones that are 5-free;

philosophy miracle worker overnight: this has already been gifted to a friend who absolutely loves, and swears, by all things philosophy; and

COOLA Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion: this was gifted to another friend, who can't seem to escape getting a sunburn no matter how little time she spends in the sun.

The box also included two lifestyle extras - a pocket mirror, and a pair of pink toe separators. Cute :)

The blue box - Mass Appeal - contained:

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara: I recently developed a love for mascara, and was so excited to try this. The packaging is sleek, and the wand looks interesting, but it smelled HORRID :( So bad, that I literally gagged when I initially opened the tube. Thank goodness I smelled it before applying it to my eyes. I hope that I just got a bad sample, and this isn't the norm for this product. Either way - trash;

Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash: I'm already a fan of Dove products, and this is a nice travel size product to put away for future use;

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips: I love this. I use regular Vaseline on my lips everyday, and this one adds the barest hint of color. It's the perfect size to drop in my purse too;

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15: I have yet to offer this, but I do like that it contains SPF. I have to use sunscreen everyday, and, if the moisturizing aspect is on point, would be a great easy source of extra protection;

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss in the shade Spring Splendor: This was my favorite item in this box. I've never tried any Burt’s Bees products before, but everyone I know who has, loves the brand. The color is wonderful, with a hint of shimmer, and it feels great on my lips. I'll definitely be purchasing additional colors of this new favorite; and

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Serum: Oh la la, this smells so good. I don't never know how things will work in my hair, but TRESemmé is a good brand, and I'm excited to try this.

Did anyone else purchase these Limited Edition boxes? If so, what does you think of the product selection, and what was your favorite product? Even if you didn't purchase the boxes, what 1 or 2 items, from those listed above, would you most want to try?

Later gators,
M

A quartet of Birchboxes

Birchbox has been a bit of a disappointment over the last several months. Maybe it's just me being a bit more critical of the products in receiving, but I could be happier. I leave reviews of each product every month, and recently updated my profile (again), so hopefully September's box will be a pleasant surprise.

Anyway, on to what I've received over the last few months:

May / Freewheeling

Fun and freewheeling, this month's box claimed to take a more playful approach to beauty.

Caldera Body Wash and Body Lotion: The packet of lotion was barely enough product for me to really test the product, so that was a loss. The scent of the body wash wasn't my favorite, so I gifted it to my friend P, who loved it;

Marcelle New Age 8 in 1 Power Serum: "[t]his peptide-packed antiaging gel hydrates, firms, lifts and plumps fine lines." I'm not up for antiaging products just yet, but apparently results can be seen after just one week of use. I'll keep that in mind, but for now, I've gifted this to a coworker;

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm: I received this in the color Pixi Pink, which is FAR too pink for me. I gifted it to my sister, who also thought it was too pink, but will find a way to make it work;

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology: yet another Supergoop! product (a bit blah), but I'm not mad at receiving a good SPF product; and

Votivo Candle in Azure Garden: this candle actually ended up being the item that I liked the most in this box. I'm on a scented candle kick right now, and this little travel sized one is portable and has a subtle fresh and clean scent.

The box also included a shopping offer from Kate Spade Saturday. I didn't use it, but, I passed it on to a coworker.

June / Away We Go

This box featured a partnership with JetBlue, and included a travel quiz. I got Chicago, which I've always wanted to visit, so this may be a sign for the hubs and I to plan a mini vacation :)

Antica Farmacista Bergamot & Ocean Aria Body Wash: this body wash is made with almond oil, and has a supposedly "captivating" seaside scent. I don't like the scent at all, so this week be gifted away at some point;

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in the shade Valentine: this is a Birchbox exclusive, unfortunately I don't like the feel of this on my lips. The color is ok, but there is a weird grittiness to the formula that I don't like;

Evologie Stay Clear Cleanser: always happy to try a new face wash, and this is a prefect travel size;

phyto Phytolisse Ultra-Glossing Finishing Serum: this is supposed to calm hair frizz and tame flyaways. I don't generally use this type of product in my hair, but as you only need to use 1 or 2 drops, and I don't feel it would weigh my hair down, I may try it out; and

The Aloe Source Vitamin C Antioxidant Crème: this can be massaged onto the neck and face twice a day to help smooth fine lines. My sure yet, if I'm going to keep this or gift it to the same coworker who got the previous months Power Serum. It smells good though :)

July / Power Up

For this box, Birchbox teamed upwith Women's health to provide goodies designed to boost and energize.

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour (Purple): this smells amazing - minty and fresh - but it is much too purple for my liking. It's supposedly a semi-sheer product, but it came off as an intensely purple lipstick on me. Unfortunate, because it feels amazing on;

Ruffian the Rapture Collection - Birchbox allowed subscribers to select which color, from this new metallic polish collection, they wanted to receive. Slick marketing Birchbox ;) The other colors were cute, but I had to have Relic, a gorgeous silver shade. I haven't used it yet, but I'm a big fan of Ruffian polishes, so I'm confident I'll love it. Birchbox also included a single packet sample of Ruffian's acetone-free towelette nail polish remover;

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream: this antiaging cream has good reviews online, and a pleasing orange scent. I'm always leery about what I put on my face, but I'll definitely try this eventually;

suki exfoliate foaming cleanser: this 2 in 1 is both a cleanser and gentle exfoliator, with a fresh lemon scent. The sample is small, but only a little is needed for each rinse. I've only used this a couple of times so far and, while it did a nice job, I still prefer the Vasanti product I regularly use; and

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Mask: I love that Birchbox sent two small containers of this. Now that my hair is shorter, this I'll actually be able to test this out twice and get a good idea of how well (or not well) it works. It contains Argan Oil and has a cotton candy smell, that I really like. Hopefully, it actually works well with my hair type.

August / Lighten Up

This month I received:

Aloxxi Thickening Serum: I'm not sure this will work with my hair type, but the sample size of this volumizing, anti-frizz, hair strengthening product is decent. I'll get around to trying it one day;

SeaRx Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion: this contains ingredients to hydrate and smooth the skin. The grapefruit scent is nice, but too intense for my use, especially on my face. In addition, the sample is so small, that there would be no way for me to get a good idea about the product. I've already passed this on to a friend;

Harvey Prince Ageless perfume: I adore this perfume. I spritzed a bit on the card before reading anything about the scent notes, and immediately picked up on grapefruit (of course) and mango (my favorite). It's a fruitful scent that's perfect for Summer;

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream: I received the Acai Grapefruit scent. While I have yet to use it, it feels silky, and smells nice;  and

ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer: Birchbox again allowed subscribers to pick one of the products this month. I not super excited to receive this, but it was the product I disliked the least from the available options. I have a ton on similar products, many of which are still unopened, but who knows, I may end up loving it once I start using it. Who wouldn't like "a natural-looking glow with a hint of shimmer"?

What do you other Birchboxers out there think about the products you've been receiving over the past few months?

If you are 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

Springing Forward & Rainy Days with Birchbox

The theme of March's Birchbox was Spring Forward - a box dedicated to welcoming Spring.

Stay as long as you want Spring! As far as I'm concerned, Summer can stay away for quite some time :)

I received 5 products, including a beauty extra.

Air Repair Rescue Balm: I was hoping to receive this from the second I saw it in the March sneak peak video. Apparently it is wonderful for healing dry skin anywhere on the body. I haven't used it yet, but I love a good multipurpose product; 

Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. Skin Perfecting Serum + Primer: I am always on the look out for good primers, and this one looks like a winner that can be used anytime, morning to night. I'm especially happy that it doesn't have a weird smell or feel too greasy on my face; 

INIKA Eyeliner in the shade Green Lagoon: I wish I was more proficient at using eyeliner pencils, because this sparkly green beauty arrived just in time for St. Patrick's Day. I'm still learning though, so I'll have to make it work another day. It goes on well, and blends well. The lid doubling as a sharpener is a bonus;

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturizing Cream Mask: I love rose scented skin care products, so I have high hopes for this face mask. The insert card says it's "loaded with restorative rose oil for a visible radiance boost". I'll try this once some of my other facial samples are done; and

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream: I was surprised to see two Jurlique samples in the same box However, this beauty extra came in a packet containing such a small amount that I am loathe to even classify it as a sample. There was no way that I could tell if I liked the product by using this blip of hand cream. Too bad.

Lastly, I believe every subscriber also received a sample of the Ghirardelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango Bar. It's a farm chocolate with bits of cherries and almonds. I'm not generally a dark chocolate fan, and this lived up to its name. It was to intense for me, so I'm not a fan. The dark chocolate overpowered the tartness of the cherries and the almonds so much that I couldn't even finish this little sample.

My Birchbox faves from this box had to be the INIKA eyeliner and Air Repair Rescue Balm. So sad about that chocolate. I usually love Ghirardelli.

Anyway, on to April.

This month's theme is Rainy Days, and the selected items are all about celebrating rainy day, stay home where it's cozy, pamper yourself and relax attitudes.

Subscribers were also sent a card featuring one of 52 Bright Ideas for a Rainy Day. I received idea 13, which encourages me to do some serious Spring cleaning in my closet. A well timed card, as I was just thinking about older and really worn items that I need to get rid of.

Anyway, on to the goodies.

I received:

GUYandGIRL Shower Gel: The card says that this has a lemony scent, but I smelled more jasmine and a musky scent. Hubby and I both like the smell, but it didn't lather very well. We'll use up this sample, but won't be ordering more;

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection nail polish in Gold Struck: Birchbox teamed up with "style blogger Gala Gonzalez to create this exclusive shimmery shade". I love receiving polishes in my subscription boxes, and this gold tone is gorgeous, and applies evenly;

Davines Oi Shampoo and Conditioner: I was so disappointed to see these packets in my box. There is no way that these contain enough shampoo and conditioner for me to get a good idea of how the products work on my hair; and

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: This and the nail polish made the box for me; and it came right on time. I'm almost out of the Ulta brow gel that I'm currently using, and all of the reviews I've seen about this brand have been positive.

Everyone also received a KIND Health Grains Snack Bar as a Lifestyle Extra. I don't know if there were multiple flavors sent out, but I received Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. I haven't eaten it yet - I'm saving it for a midday work snack - but this flavor combination has me intrigued. I've had KIND products before though, and have liked them.

What did you other Birchboxers think of your products? What's been your favorite over the past couple of months?

Later gators,
M

Step and Repeat with Birchbox



For their February 2014 box, Birchbox teamed up with the editors at US Weekly to bring subscribers some fantastic awards season/red carpet worthy beauty products. The resulting box theme? Step and Repeat.

 

Unfortunately, I found my box to be less than stellar.

 

This month I received:
 

SARAHPOTEMPA's The Half-Up hair styling tool: This is not for my hair type at all. It's a cool product (a min version of the WRAP UP hair tool that helps secure a bun without bobby pins), but I'll never use it, so it's already been gifted away;

 

Miracle Skin Transformer Face Spotlight: According to the insert card, this product is supposed to nourish skin and leave the user with a "radiant, photo-ready glow". I have yet to try the product, but I'm definitely interested. Unfortunately, when I held the sample up to the light, I could see that there is enough sample for maybe 2 uses. I'm tempted to say 'poor sample size with this one Birchbox', but I haven't heard/read this kind of complaint from others who received this item, so I may have just gotten a dud sample;

 

Joan Vass L'eau de Amethyste: I'm not a fan. I generally love trying new scents, but the instant I spritzed this sample, I knew it wasn't for me. To me is smells like a cross between Raid bug spray and a discount floral air freshener - neither of which I wish to wear. If I can't give this away, it will likely be tossed;

 

Two packets of 32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy: I received the flavors Spearmint and Lemon Mint. These Pop Rocks style breath freshening crystals were this month's Lifestyle Extra. I haven't tried either pack yet so I can't speak to their taste, and I was never a big fan of Pop Rocks, but I'll keep these in my purse or desk;



 

The last product I received this month is my favorite, though there wasn't that much competition. I received OPI Sheer Tints in Be Magentale with Me. I read some other reviews, and consider myself lucky that I received this color instead of the apparently jaundice color inducing amber or the weird Smurf-like blue/teal tint. This can be worn alone to give nails subtle color, or can be used as a top coat over polish to achieve a "chic shade-shifting effect". This tiny bottle is definitely the winner in this box.

What did you other Birchboxers think of your boxes this month? Hopefully, you had more positive reactions to your received products than I did.

If you are 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

It's Go Time, with Birchbox!

This month's Birchbox theme is Go Time. According to the insert card, the Birchbox team is all about taking things on this year, instead of giving them up. I'm all for that :)

Birchbox is also having weekly contests, with new prizes each week. Interested? Enter at www.birchbox.com/Sundays.

This month, I received:

1) 100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream: I received three packets in the scent Pink Grapefruit. I have yet to try it, but I love the smell of grapefruit, and I really like that this is 100% natural;

2) Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner: I hardly use leave conditioners, but I'll give this one a try. The insert warns that the "heady scent is addictive"; and it is;

3) Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: I'm excited to receive this.

I remember a couple of boxes back when some subscribers received this. I wanted to receive it then, but I'm glad I didn't get it until this box. I believe this item (the cleanser and the muslin cloth) previously counted as 2 items - which sucks. This time around it counted as 1 - as it should. I have sensitive skin, but I've looked up a handful of video reviews, and people seem to love it. I can't wait to try it;

4) Ruby Wing color-changing nail polish in the color Kitten Heels:

This is my first color-changing polish. The shade is supposed to go from a bright fuchsia to a rich magenta on the sun. I didn't see any color change when I had it on. Of course it was overcast for pretty much the entire week. I'll try this one again once the weather clears up a bit. However, I love the fuchsia; so I'm good even if it never changes.

Luckily I like tea, because Birchbox sent me tea once again. This month's Lifestyle Extra is a trio of assorted teas from Ahmad Tea London. I'm sure I'll drink them eventually.

This month's box also included some motivational cards. 

My favorite one being this one. 

"Buck fate. Don't sit around waiting for whatever's supposedly meant to be. Make the first move yourself to kick start momentum toward your goal."

Absolutely :)

So, what did all you other Birchboxers think of your January boxes?

Later gators,
M

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

It's Kate Spade time again :)

It's Birchbox's Kate Spade Saturday Accessories giveaway day again; and today's selection looks fantastic!

Is easy to sign up and enter, and I'd love it if you used my referral link to do so (thanks in advance :). Just click this link: http://bit.ly/18Nytmr.

So, what's your favorite Kate Spade accessory?

Good luck & Later gators,
M

Birchbox is at it again!

It's Kate Spade Saturday Accessories giveaway time & I'd love it if you used my referral link to enter --> http://bit.ly/18Nytmr.

Thanks in advance & good luck! :)

Later gators,
M

Kate Spade Saturdays/Giveaways with Birchbox

Every Saturday in November, Birchbox will be giving away a collection of their favorite Kate Spade Saturday accessories to a lucky winner! 

I do not own this photo at all.

Photo courtesy of Birchbox/Birchbox on Facebook :)

All you have to provide to enter is your name and email address. So, if you want to enter (that gorgeous weekender bag in the third row of the first column is part of today's package, btw), you can do so from their Facebook page, or you can use my referral link (--> http://bit.ly/18Nytmr), and help me get another entry of my own :) Thanks in advance!

Later gators,
M

Round 'em up!

It's round up time!

I've now received all of my October subscriptions and, of all my makeup-centered boxes, Starbox is this month's winner.

 

Both Birchbox and ipsy sent out wonderful boxes this month, but Starbox, with it's Alice in Wonderland inspired theme, took the cake.

My faves from each box are pictured above, with the Starlooks blush palette trio taking the lead, the POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer from Birchbox taking second place, and the Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmer and Zoya Nail Lacquer from ipsy in a tie for third.

In my opinion, it was a great month from these three companies. What did you all think about your October subscription boxes (makeup, food, etc.)?

We'll see what next month brings!

Later gators,
M

Birchbox is all the (Beauty) Buzz this October

This month's Birchbox had arrived, and I'm pretty impressed.

For those of you who don't know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service. For just $10/month, subscribers are sent a box containing a variety of beauty/grooming/lifestyle products - many of which are from high-end brands. If you're interested in trying it out, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://birch.ly/16gHmcu. Through Birchbox's referral program, subscribers not only earn points (which add up, and turn into 'cash' value which can be used in their online store) for referring friends, but also by reviewing received products. Believe me, points can add up pretty quickly.

And now, back to the box :)

This month's box theme is Beauty Buzz. 

Among other things, this month's insert card states that month's box is devoted to products that the Company's beauty gurus can't stop talking about.

Overall, I'm happy with my box. I think I received a well-rounded variety of items; including a cool lip product and an interesting hair product (very excited :).

My box this month :)

This month I received:

1) Chapstick Hydration Lock: This month everyone received this Birchbox Find (a mass-market product the Birchbox heads are mad about) in their boxes. The scent/flavor is Vanilla Creme. Unfortunately, I can't stand Chapstick, so this will be passed on, but someone will love it;

2) POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer: I received the gorgeous, sheer, pink color Flowering Fuschia. It has a slightly minty smell, and per the description it plumps and hydrates with jojoba oil. I'm not generally a fan of plumping lip products, but I'll try it out.

I've seen a lot of reviewers talking about the unusual plastic applicator; but apparently the paddle style allows for more precise application. We'll see;

3) Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This is an antiaging serum with SPF 30. I already have a sunscreen that I love, but I'm exited to try this as the description states that it can also be used as a primer under makeup. I could always use another awesome primer option;

4) Karuna Hydrating Mask: This is an all-natural, antioxidant rich, cloth mask. I've actually never tried a face mask before, so I'm a bit apprehensive about it, but I'll try it...one day; and

5) 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment: One product, 12 benefits, and it smells AMAZING.

As I said above I'm pretty happy with this month's box! Nice work Birchbox. Keep it up for next month :)

If you're already a Birchboxer, what did you think of your October box? What product did you you receive that you're most excited about?

Later gators,

M