Birchbox January 2015

I feel like it's been a really long time since I've shown you all what's in my Birchbox!

This month, we had a choice of three samples, or two different guest editor boxes. If you're curious about them, you can watch their January Sneak Peak video below. I didn't choose a sample or a guest editor box this month.



As a subscriber, my big takeaways from this video were this:
1) We're supposed to keep all of our boxes for 2015. They didn't say why, but I know mine will be put away. Just in case.
2) You can earn 60 points with this box- 10 points for each sample you review that you've received (everyone receives 5 samples), and then an additional 10 points for sharing that page. I really hope this becomes a regular thing- that means my Birchbox is basically $4.00 a month. Which is unreal for what you get!


I also had major issues with my account this month- for whatever reason, I could not see my box. Not on the app, not on mobile internet, and not on my computer browser. Luckily, Birchbox Customer Service is THE BEST and within a week, my issue was resolved. And for my trouble, they hooked me up with 100 additional Birchbox points!
I really cannot say enough good things about their customer service, and to me, it's just another reason why I don't see cancelling my subscription anytime soon.

Quick Note: I took these pics with my iPhone, and I took them vertically. I absolutely hate the way it looks and will not be taking them that way in the future. I also am not using my backdrop right now, as you can tell.
Okay, on to the box!



The packaging on this is super cute! Even if they didn't suggest keeping the box, I probably would because I just love it!



Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+
A cult favorite, this all-in-one provides light coverage, anti aging benefits, and mega SPF.
How To Use: Blend a nickel-sized amount onto clean skin, following with concealer if needed.
How It Works: This tinted balm contains myriad of complexion-benefiting ingredients. Adenosine improves skin’s elasticity, and arbutin brightens and evens out skin tone. An antioxidant bio-peptide complex provides anti-aging properties and promotes collagen production, while titanium dioxide and zinc oxide add broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Will I Use It?: I will definitely give it a try. As of this blog post, I haven't yet. I did read several reviews that indicated to me this product may not be for us oily-skinned girls, but I'll definitely try it out soon.




Harvey Prince Sincerely
Sweetly spicy scent with Indonesian clove bud, Indian tuberose, and Japanese orange flower.
How To Use: Spritz onto pulse points- and see where this intriguing scent takes you.
How It Works: The fragrance features carefully selected notes from around the world: South African freesia mingles with Japanese orange flower, Moroccan rose, and Australian sandalwood.
Will I Use It?: I won't be using this- it's just not for me. I don't know if it's the sandalwood or the freesia, but something in this doesn't agree with me. Which is disappointing- I have liked all the other Harvey Prince scents that Birchbox has sent me!




Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner
This soft wax pencil delivers rich, long-lasting color that won't irritate eyes.
How To Use: Glide along lash line. Colorblock with your other liners for a sleek, modern look.
How It Works: The soft wax pencil won’t tug the delicate skin around your eyes, while a dose of hydrating glycerin guards against irritation. There are seven dramatic shades to choose from, including playful Signature Lime Green and a classic rich Black.
Will I Use It?: I actually used this the day I'm writing this post to line my upper lid. I really, really love the color I was sent (Hansa), and this went on so nicely! I could definitely see pairing this as a base to the Jade color in the Lorac Pro 2 palette. 




Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
This customer fave mimics the effects of microdermabrasion for glowing, smooth skin.
How To Use: 3-5 times a week, massage a pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.
How It Works: This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. First, papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Next, dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Finally, aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish fresh skin to keep it free of irritation.
Will I Use It?: I have received this product three different times now, and I will eventually use it... but I still have the other two! (I know I received one in my birchbox haul, and I believe I may have received one in a Test Tube... but it must have been an additional sample because I don't have anything under Vasanti in my labels.) I took a break from products like this after I found out I was pregnant, but I'm sure I'll go back to using this stuff after I have my little guy.




Whish Three Whishes Body Butter in Lavender
Luscious, antioxidant-rich formula that firms, softens, and soothes.
How To Use: Smooth onto skin after showering. A little goes a long way.
How It Works: Organic aloe, shea butter, and raspberry butter conquer dryness, while organic seaweed extract contains naturally high levels of skin-firming peptides. The formula also includes organic rice bran oil, a natural source of tocotrienols, a potent antioxidant that defeats free radicals and provides UV protection.
Will I Use It?: I have used this, and I like it. The Lavendar scent is pretty soft, and it goes away really quickly after application- I couldn't even smell if at first when trying to smell it from the bottle. I have been lotioning my belly at least twice a day, but the day I used this, my belly still felt very moisturized when I went to use lotion in the evening. So I might actually be looking into purchasing this again really soon!

If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.

This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

Birchbox August 2014

This month, I received an email asking if I wanted to customize, much like last month with the Relic nail polish.




This email came to me at 7:19am, but since I work at 7am, I didn't see it until my break time and the choices were already gone. (Ramblings of a Suburban Mom did a review of the Everygirl Box, if you're interested in seeing one.) I really wanted the Everygirl box, but since it wasn't an option, and I didn't like any of the Lighten Up sample choices (all of which are pictured above), I decided to go ahead and leave my complete box a surprise this month.

I received my shipping notification on the 9th, and my spoilers, as usual, were available to view on the 10th.



- Harvey Prince Ageless - Pink Grapefruit: The notes in this seem to be ones I might like, so we'll see!
- Number 4 Hair Care Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect: As I've said about a thousand times now, I'm always willing to try a new hair protector.
- theBalm cosmetics Stainiac: This is one of the items that I could have chosen if I had wanted to choose an item. Don't get me wrong- I'm okay with receiving this still, but I specifically didn't choose an item because I wasn't excited about any of them, and it seemed like, if you didn't chose, you wouldn't receive one of the items. I guess I can just be glad it wasn't the eyeliner.
- Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream: I'm probably least excited about this, especially since I see that a full size is $20.00.
- Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum: At first I was a little put off- I'm only 29 and I definitely don't have wrinkles! But it has Retinol, and says it's also good for spots and acne scaring, so I'm a little less put off and a little more looking forward to seeing how it works.








Harvey Prince Ageless
This grapefruit-sandalwood blend leaves skin smelling youthful.
How To Use: Apply to pulse points for instant freshness (and a spring in your step.)
How It Works: Olfactory studies have shown that when the fatty acids in our skin begin to breakdown, they emit a particular odor. Fascinating, no? Even more fascinating: pink grapefruit and mango counteract that smell, which is why they’re called the ‘olfactory antidote to aging.’ Beyond the science, this lovely scent has layers of fresh citrus, pomegranate, and mango as well as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. It’s guaranteed to make you feel good.
Will I Use It?: This is a really nice, light scent. I really liked it, and could definitely see buying a smaller size of it some day soon. (I already put it on my amazon wishlist for future reference.)



Number 4 Hair Super Comb Prep & Protect
A sulfate-free conditioning spray that safeguards color and protects against UV rays.
How To Use: Mist evenly onto damp hair and style as usual.
How It Works: Natural conditioners—including black currant, soy yogurt, algae, and yerba mate—combine to restore hydration to dry hair, while the unique UV/Color Polar Shield protects dyed or sun-exposed locks. Soy and vegetable proteins repair damage caused by heat and chemical styling. And don’t forget about the defrizzing factor—anti-static technology tames flyaways, making hair more manageable and easy to style.
Will I Use It?: I've used it a couple of times, and I liked it. It smelled like chocolate cake when I sprayed it, but that scent didn't linger at all. (I think I'm the first person that has said that's what it smells like, but to me, it does!) It detangled my hair really well, and didn't weigh my hair down. I'll do a more complete review once I have a chance to fully use the bottle, but so far, it's really great!



Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Retinol-powered antiaging treatment that fades dark spots and smooths away wrinkles.
How To Use: Before bed, gently smooth a few drops into clean, dry skin. Safe for the eye area too.
How It Works: This fragrance-free serum starts working immediately to clear up and smooth out skin. It releases a patented blend of retinol (stabilized for high performance), wrinkle-resisting antioxidants, and proven skin-soothers to help erase the effects of sun damage, poor lifestyle choices (ahem—tanning beds), and of course, Father Time.
Will I Use It?: I will use it, but there are some samples I'm trying to get through first. I'll review one I've had the chance to use it and form an opinion.





theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Best-selling stain that gives cheeks and lips a sheer, rosy tint.
How To Use: Dot onto cheeks and blend quickly. Sweep over lips to give them a wash of color.
How It Works: The tinted gel leaves a lasting stain on lips and cheeks. Since it’s water-based, it has a longer setting time than most quick-dry stains, which means it won’t leave any unsightly streaks behind as long as you take care to blend well. Use a single coat for a subtle look or layer it on for a more visible (yet still discreet) hue.
Will I Use It?: I used it on my lips, and I liked the subtle color it left behind. I haven't tried it on my cheeks yet, but I will keep it in my makeup bag to try. I still kind of wish I would have been sent something besides this, but it is something I didn't have, and I enjoy the color.



Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Acai Grapefruit
A shea-butter packed, silky cream in a fresh-for-summer scent.
How To Use: Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave.
How It Works: A moisturizing base of omega-rich squalene, organic shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil protects against the redness and irritation associated with shaving, while organic green tea extracts infuse skin with antioxidants.
Will I Use It?: I will definitely give it a shot, and do a review on it further at a later date. I'm still not super excited about it.


I'm not as excited for this box as I have been in past months, but I appreciated that all the sample sizes are actually what I would consider deluxe samples- even the perfume is good enough to get an idea of whether or not I will actually like it. I still wish I had received a completely surprise box, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I like that all the sizes of samples were decent, and that I still really am loving my Birchbox subscription.

I also cashed in my points this month (I had $50.00 worth!), so I'll have a #BirchboxBrag post as soon as I get the items so you all can see what I got!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

Birchbox February 2014

I pulled the trigger. I decided to sign up for Birchbox. And I picked a pretty good month, because February was the Birchbox collaboration with US Weekly!
I couldn't help myself and peaked at the contents of my box prior to actually receiving the box, but I was still really excited when I saw what was coming, and once I received it.

Side Note: I was given a light studio for my birthday from my super awesome Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law! I'm still playing with my set up a bit and trying to make sure there are no shadows and all that good stuff, so please be patient with me in the mean time!

(As usual, since this is my first box, I am showing the complete unboxing.)







Each box comes with a card that, on one side, details the "theme" of the box, and on the backside, lists all the products that are included.





Beauty Protector Protect and Oil
Exclusive Launch! This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.
How To Use: Smooth one to three drops into damp hair, working from the roots to ends. Or, you can apply a small amount to the ends of dry hair to tame frizz and provide light conditioning.
How It Works: This nourishing formula uses star ingredient argan oil to protect, strengthen, and add a pretty gloss to strands—all without heaviness. Armed with UV and heat protection, it stands up to two of our favorite past times: heat styling and spending hours in the sun. The paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free.
Will I Use It?: Well, I do love a good hair oil, so I imagine I will be making use of this soon! It's getting pretty great reviews on the Birchbox website (It's about at a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars). I will definitely update you guys when I use it and get an idea of whether I like it or not! 




Harvey Prince Hello
Best-selling spritz that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. Well, hello there!
How To Use: Spritz on first thing in the morning and whenever you need a fragrance mood boost.
How It Works: Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer.
Will I Use It?: I have tried it, and it is a really nice scent. It's definitely not something I would have purchased for myself, but after wearing it most of the day today after receiving my box, I like the way it mixes with my body chemistry, and it really lasts! I'll definitely keep using the sample!




OPI Sheer Tints in Don't Violet Me Down
This tinted top coat gives nails a wash of high-shine, translucent color.
How To Use: Wear the tinted top coat over bare nails for a sheer wash of color or customize your shade by layering to achieve your desired outcome.
How It Works: The translucent colors take your polish to the next level: Make solid nail lacquers pop by brightening or darkening, accent glittery or dark polishes, transform crème and shimmery shades, reveal imbedded colors in your favorite hues, and layer to create the ultimate ombré look.
Will I Use It?:  I tried this on one of my bare nails, and to be honest? It's not my thing. I think if I had received the pinker color, it might be a little better for me, but overall I'm not really into this. I might try it over a couple polishes to see what kind of look comes out, but I haven't decided yet.




Harney & Sons Fine Teas (Black Tea in Paris (Caramel and Citrus), and White Vanilla Grapefruit (White Tea infused with Vanilla and Grapefruit))
Rich and flavorful tea blends from the family-owned craft brand.
How to Use: Steep sachet in boiling water according to directions.
How It Works: Harney & Sons has a robust range of teas. Try one of their black teas: Organic English Breakfast is a classic black, Early Grey Supreme adds citrus for a twist on the original, Hot Cinnamon Spice blends orange, cinnamon, and cloves, and Paris is fruity with vanilla and caramel flavors. Then there are the green teas: Japanese Sencha has light accents of citrus, Organic Green with Citrus and Ginkgo brings added health benefits, and Organic Bangkok blends green tea with ginger, lemongrass, coconut, and vanilla. And the herbal teas: Chamomile is mellow with very subtle apple flavors, Rooibos Chai brings spicy, earthy flavors with a hint of nuttiness, and Mint Verbena is a refreshing mix of mint and citrus. Finally, the flavored teas: Pomegranate Oolong is a tangy fruity brew, Caribe blends black and green tea with tropical flavors, Tilleul with Mint mixes peppermint and woodsy tilleul, and White Vanilla Grapefruit is a sweet brew with a white tea base.
Will I Use It?: I love tea, so I will absolutely be trying these. I'm not at all familiar with this brand, but depending on how I like these two samples, I will definitely be checking out their Earl Grey (my fave tea type) and the Caribe. And the Pomegranate Oolong. Okay... so I may just buy all of them!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.