skincare

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

clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant: Face
Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm
Lord & Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil
Number 4™ Clarifying Shampoo
Number 4™ Reconstructing Masque
Jouer + beautyblender® Perfectly Primed Collection

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.

September Birchbox | 2014

TGIF Everyone! October is here and it’s time for me review September’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 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. Added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything! Below is what I found when I opened my September Birchbox, how cute is that patterned box?!?

[birchbox.com]

[birchbox.com]

That bright box included all of the following:

dr. brandt® Exclusive Clean Up Nice Kit
Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm
ChapStick® Dual-Ended Hydration Lock Day & Night
Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

 

Let’s start with the dr. brandt® Exclusive Clean Up Nice Kit. Of this kit, I received the dr. brandt® pores no more® vacuum cleaner and it’s great! After using this cleanser, I could immediately tell a difference in my skin; it felt much softer and was even visibly smoother! As an added bonus, it’s a gel texture, making it easy to apply.  After application, it has a cool, tingly effect. I personally love this because I know it’s working! Although I could definitely feel the difference in the texture of my skin, I was most impressed with the visible difference it made! For $45, I’m tempted to try out the rest of the line included in the Clean Up Nice Kit.

 

Next up is the Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm.This BB cream is not for me. To be fair, I’ve tried quite a few BB creams through my birchbox samples, so I have become a bit picky! Although this cream is great for full coverage, I felt it was much too thick to be BB cream. It felt more like liquid foundation, which I have never been a fan of! I personally prefer more absorbent creams that don’t cake on. That being said, if you are looking for a BB cream with more coverage and thick application, this is for you! I think it would be ideal for anyone with uneven skin tone or blemishes to cover.

Now introducing the ChapStick® Dual-Ended Hydration Lock Day & Night. This duel sided chapstick is a great idea. One side is for day and the other side is for nighttime use! To be honest, I could take or leave the daytime side. I am currently addicted to my moisturizing chapstick and missed the familiar consistency and moisturizing effects of it. That being said, I do love the nighttime side! I found the night formula, to be smooth and moisturizing without being too thick. Also, I have been waking up with much smoother lips, so I know it’s working! If they sold the nighttime formula on it’s own, I would definitely recommend it, but since it’s only available in this dual-sided form, I don’t think it’s worth the buy.

And now it’s time for the Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner. I’ve used a lot of eyeliners in my day and this one definitely impressed me for a pencil application. I personally tend to gravitate to liquid eyeliners. They go on smooth and once dry, they never smudge! But, I always give pencil liners a shot when I get them in my birchbox. Usually, I am disappointed by mid-day when the liner has smudged and I resemble a raccoon, but this time was different! This liner went on smooth and stayed all day! My only complaint is having to sharpen it since it’s an actual pencil application, other than that, it’s a great pencil eyeliner!

Now onto Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This sample didn’t resonate with me. Being a serum, the texture was thick and sticky. Although I’m not usually a fan of serums, I will use them if they deliver results. Unfortunately, this serum did nothing for me, not to mention the price tag! Running $79 for only 30 ml, I expected to be wow-ed by this product. I gave it a shot and after a few uses, I noticed no difference in my skin. This serum left me very disappointed and would not recommend for the value.

Lastly, I have the Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream. This moisturizer is serious! I found it too be a little thick and greasy for everyday use, but thought it worked wonders on dry spots! Once I started using it on dry spots like my elbows and feet, I noticed immediate results! This will not be my go to moisturizer, but I definitely think it’s worth keeping around for problem areas. I think I will especially find it effective this winter when my skin dries out!

And that’s it! That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Craving more? Check out last month’s post, August’s Birchbox Round Ups. Have you heard of any of these products before? Let me know your thoughts of them in the comments below!

August Birchbox | 2014

I can hardly believe September is here and summer is over! As another month wraps up, I have some Birchbox products to review and share with you! Birchbox is a service with subscriptions to receive monthly samples of beauty products. I personally use it as 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 August Birchbox.

birchbox.com

birchbox.com

My box included:

Harvey Prince Ageless – Pink Grapefruit

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

SeaRX Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion

ModelCo Bronzer

Aloxxi Thickening Serum

First I tried the Harvey Prince Ageless – Pink Grapefruit, and I have to say, this month’s Birchbox was immediately off to a strong start! I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh, sweet scent of this perfume. I am pretty picky about my perfumes, but this scent was light ,with just the right amount of citrus and floral. It all makes sense considering the Harvey brothers specifically developed this fragrance for their mom and not only wanted a pretty scent, but one that made you smell more youthful. This fragrance is amazing and great for all ages, the only drawback is the price at $98/100ml bottle.

Now onto the Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream.  This shaving cream was a little different than what I normally use. I tend to gravitate to the Skintimate’s of the world that foam up and lather and this Whish product did neither. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the consistency reminded me a lot of a standard conditioner. I loved the smell, and after shaving my legs actually felt moisturized without having to whip out lotion. I found myself using much more of this all natural cream than I normally use of the lathering shaving creams, but the results were great! Overall it was a great find and I would definitely recommend for anyone with dry skin.

Next I tried the SeaRX Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion. This lotion is another great find! As I’ve mentioned before, I love light, quick drying lotions that absorb into the skin quickly and this SeaRX lotion fits the bill! It’s not only light and non-greasy, but it smells great too! And as a bonus, it can be used not only on your body, but on your face too. It’s rare that I find a lotion that works for both my face and my body, so this is now my go-to lotion for traveling.

Now for the ModelCo Bronzer. First, I have to say I found this sample to be VERY messy! My sample came broken up, so the powder went everywhere when I popped the container open. Therefore, I lost a ton of the actual sample to the floor of my bathroom. But, what I had left of the product I liked. It works well as a bronzer. Tt has a slight shimmer in it, so it gives that summer glow without being too disco! It’s a nice color and blends well. If you are in the market for a new bronzer, I would definitely recommend this powder.

Last, but definitely not least, Aloxxi Thickening Serum. This product was interesting. I was weary because I thought the serum was a little thick and sticky, but it did end up thickening my hair. I had to be careful to only apply it to the ends of my hair because once it got to my roots, it almost looked greasy. It mostly added volume to the end of my strands, which was great, but I usually like to get a little extra volume at my roots. I’m not really in the market for a thickening serum, but for anyone who is, this might just be the product for you!

Have you tried these brands or products before? Let me know your thoughts on them in the comments below!

That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Craving more? Check out last month’s samples on July’s Birchbox Finds.

July Birchbox | 2014

Since we are officially saying goodbye to July for another year, it’s time for me to review this month’s Birchbox products. If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a service with subscriptions 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 Birchbox this month- a collaboration with Women’s Health!

birchbox.com

birchbox.com

Let me tell you, the wait was worth it! My box included:

suki exfoliate foaming cleanser

LAQA & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil

NAOBAY Body Radiance Lotion

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Mask

First, I tried the suki exfoliate foaming cleanser. As I mentioned in my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post, I love and use my clarisonic everyday. Although cleansing is important, I think exfoliation is key! So needless to say, I love a good exfoliator and I was excited to find this suki sample in my box. I was pleasantly surprised to find it’s made with all natural ingredients, not to mention the amazing lemon scent. It’s supposed to be a two-in-one exfoliator and cleanser. But I have to admit, I didn’t love it as a cleanser. I found my everyday facial cleaner to remove my makeup easier and more thoroughly. But once my face was clean, I thought it did a great job exfoliating! It left my face feeling soft and refreshed!

Now onto the LAQA & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil. I never seem to buy lipstick or tints for myself, so I love to get samples of them. With the luck of the draw, I received the coral shade of this lip pencil. I have to admit, I am usually a pink lip girl so I wasn’t crazy when I saw the coral shade. Even though the color doesn’t do much for me, the lip pencil was otherwise great. I liked the sheer, shiny look it gave my lips and the minty smell was a nice bonus! I checked out the other shades offered in this pencil and they look really fun! I could definitely see myself purchasing one of their more versatile colors.

Next I tried the NAOBAY Body Radiance Lotion. This lotion is yet another all natural product, made up of olive oil and avocado! This lotion is light and soaks into the skin quickly. I loved that it wasn’t greasy, but I felt you might be sacrificing moisturizer for the light consistency. The smell was light and unique, but not exactly what I want in a lotion. For the price, I don’t personally think this lotion is worth it, unless using all natural products is a priority for you.

Now for a fun one, Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels. These are a great idea! They are little gel pockets with an adhesive side that you place under your eyes for 10 minutes. Once applied, they have a cooling effect that both hydrates and refreshes your skin. Feeling stressed? It’s a great idea to add to a mini spa night at home to get rid of those dark circles under your eyes. I have to admit, it’s not something anyone needs, but it’s definitely a fun beauty treatment for a night with the girls!

Last, but definitely not least, the Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Mask. I love everything I’ve tried from this brand! Just like the rest of Beauty Protector’s products, this mask smells amazing! The only downside is you have to let the product sit in your hair for 20 minutes, but let me tell you- it’s worth it! The next day, my hair felt amazing! It gave my locks great shine and was super soft! Although I loved it, I tend to shy away from mask products or treatments because I usually forget to take the time to sit down and do them. Therefore, I prefer their Protect and Detangle Spray. Instead of one 20 minute application, you spray on your hair everyday after showering. It gives very similar results and is easier for the low maintenance girl!

Have any of you tried these brands or products before? Let me know your thoughts of them in the comments below!

That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Craving more? Check out last month’s samples on June’s Birchbox- Unboxed.