Number 4

October Birchbox | 2014

October is here and it’s time for me review my newest Birchbox products!

If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer boxes for both men and women!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything!

Below is what I found when I opened my October Birchbox.

October Birchbox


Let’s start with the clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant: Face. I was a little taken aback when I opened this sample- it was just a jar of grey powder! This all natural product stated you could mix it with either your favorite cleanser or water before applying it to your face. I chose to start with water so I could get an idea of what this exfoliant does on it’s own. I have to admit, applying it was a little messy for my taste… I mean imagine scooping powder out of a jar, mixing with water then trying to get it on your face. It’s definitely tricky, but it did it’s job! It’s a strong exfoliant and even left my skin a little tender after using it just once. Although the exfoliant felt a little extreme, it left my face feeling smoother than ever! If you end up trying out the product I’m sure you’ll have smoother skin, but due to the roughness, I suggest using it only a few times a week.

Next up is the Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm. I love this balm! Although it’s thick and creamy, it didn’t leave me oily or greasy! It not only has a great light scent, but it also absorbed quickly- no need to wait for it to dry before getting dressed. Although it’s fabulous as a full body lotion, I especially recommend it for those extra dry spots like your elbows and feet. You’ll definitely get your bang for your buck with this balm!

Lord & Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil was the next sample I tried out. This little pencil packed a lot of punch! It was super easy to apply, even using my tiny pencil sample! The main focal point of this eyeliner is the glitter. To be clear, it’s not shimmery, it has actual chunks of glitter in it. This look was a little extreme for me, but it could be fun to use on a night out. I think it’s safe to say I won’t be purchasing the full sized product, but I’ll enjoy having fun with the sample!

Now onto the Number 4™ Clarifying Shampoo and Number 4™ Reconstructing Masque. I’ve gotten Number 4 products in my box a few times before and have not been disappointed yet. Although these samples didn’t disappoint, I wouldn’t say they “WOWed” me either. The scent was nice and it left my hair feeling soft and healthy. But for the higher price point they charge, I expected more. There are plenty of products out there that give just as good results for a better price.

Lastly, I have the Jouer + beautyblender® Perfectly Primed Collection. Of this collection, I received the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. This tint was a little different than the other tinted moisturizers I’ve received in my boxes. It went on smooth, applied very evenly and I found the coverage to be a little heavier than most creams I’ve used. Although I appreciated the extra coverage, it dried with a matte, powdery finish that felt a little too mature for me. If you are like me and prefer a fresher, more natural look this tint is probably not for you!

And that’s it! That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below! Craving more beauty reviews? Check out last month’s post, September’s Birchbox- Unboxed.

June Birchbox | 2014

Happy Monday! Since June is officially coming to an end, it’s time for me review this month’s Birchbox products. If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer both men’s and women’s boxes!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. Below is what I found when I opened my June Birchbox.

June Birchbox

What are all those tiny samples? Well this month’s box included all of the following:

Number 4™ Super Comb Prep & Protect

Folle de Joie eau de parfum

Jasmine Seven™ Wipes

Supergoop!® Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology

Coastal Scents® Revealed 2 Palette Set

I’ll start with Number 4™ Super Comb Prep & Protect. Since growing out my hair, I have started using a leave-in conditioner. I especially need it for the detangling aspect when getting out of the shower and this product got the job done. I could definitely tell the difference it made on my hair after a few days. It feels soft, smooth and healthy. The only downside is the smell. The smell is light and it isn’t bad, but it’s not what I’m used to in a hair product. It smells a little too chemically for my personal taste (almost like a perm, which just brings back terrible hair memories!). To be fair, I currently have a leave in conditioner I am in love with, both smell and results, so this one had high expectations to live up to.

Next I tried the Folle de Joie eau de parfum. This perfume is amazing! It’s a little different than the scents I normally gravitate toward, but I ended up loving it. It’s light and fresh, but has staying power to last a full day’s work. At $98 for 3.4 fl oz., the price is pretty steep compared to what I usually spend on perfume. But, if I’m going to drop $100 on perfume, this one would a top candidate!

Now onto a product I’ve never heard of, Jasmine Seven™ Fresh Feet Wipes. These are such a great idea! I thought these wipes were a weird thing to get in my Birchbox, but they ended up coming in handy! I live in the city and walk to work everyday and sometimes (especially when wearing sandals or flats) my feet get so dirty! This is a great way to freshen them up before a dinner or happy hour.

I hate putting on sunscreen, but it’s a necessary evil this time of year. Applying it is annoying and tedious and if you are at a more formal outside event, the last thing you want to do is smell like sunscreen! This is where Supergoop!® Everyday Sunscreen comes in. Contrary to the name, this sunscreen goes on so light! It’s super easy to rub in and isn’t greasy at all. Also, the smell is so fresh and light that you would never know that it’s sunscreen! This is my new go-to sunscreen. It can’t be beat!

Lastly, Coastal Scents® Revealed 2 Palette Eyeshadow Set. I love this mini palette! I am a definite fan of bronze shimmer shadow and that’s just what they gave me. The colors are great neutrals for any complexion and very versatile. The texture of the shadow is great, easy to blend and long lasting. I have a hard time picking out just one or two eye shadows, so I prefer splurging on a palette like this. This palette looks like it has a great range of color offerings and for just $34, it is certainly a contender for my next round of Birchbox points I earn!

That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Wanting more? Check out last month’s post, May’s Birchbox Finds. Have you tried any of these brands or products before? Let me know your thoughts of them in the comments below!