Birchbox March 2015

I still really love how all the boxes are totally customized this year, and this box is no exception to that! This month, we got to choose, again, between three samples, or a curated box, and I chose the amika Bombshell Blowout Spray.




I cannot get over how cute this box is!



amika Bombshell Blowout Spray
Lightweight styler that volumizes, smooths, and protects for a sleek yet bouncy 'do.
How To Use: Divide damp hair into sections and spritz from roots to ends before blow-drying.
Will I Use It?: I tried it, and I do not like it. Since this was my sample choice, I can't hold it against Birchbox, but this was just awful. It made my hair so crunchy and sticky, and not at all volumized or sleek. I will definitely not be using this again or repurchasing it. 



Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine.
How to Use: Work a small amount into a lather with damp hands, apply to wet hair, then rinse.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be giving this a try, but I'm currently trying out a couple other shampoo samples I need to get through, so I'll have to do a review in the future.
Also included in this box was a bonus sample- the Reconstructing Masque!



Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose
Creamy lip color with a subtle sheen and serious staying power.
How To Use: Glide onto lips, layering for a bolder hue.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use it! I love this color, and the gloss is just beautiful on the lips. It goes on smooth, and builds up really nicely. It's not at all sticky. This is definitely a keeper, and even though the sample is tiny, it will still last me a long while.



Supergoop! Daily Correcting CC Cream SPF 40 in Fair/Light
Next-generation SPF 40 CC Cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays.
How To Use: Apply a nickel-sized amount over face and neck- it works as both a primer and a foundation.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely give it a try! I love trying new BB/CC creams, and this sample should give me at least two to three uses, which is a pretty good indication of how well it's going to perform for me. I'll do an updated review once I have a chance to try it out.



Whish Shave Savior Hair Inhibiting Gel
All-natural formula that slows hair growth while deeply hydrating skin.
How To Use: Smooth onto slight damp skin after showering.
Will I Use It?: I might save this for after the baby is born- I'm only shaving my legs once a week or so (shaving is hard when you have a belly to deal with!), so I feel like I can't properly test this product now. I will put up a review one I am able to test this out.


Other than the amika spray, I really, really enjoyed this box and will use everything in it. Although the smashbox and supergoop! samples were a little small, there's still enough included to make an informed decision about the products. I'm definitely happy with this subscription, and can't see myself cancelling any time 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.

The only affiliate link used is the Birchbox affiliate link directly above. Any other links to the birchbox shop are just for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

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.