Glam It Up: February Birchbox

February's Birchbox theme is based around awards season. Everyone loves to see the new trends, awesome attire and of course makeup and hairstyles of celebrities.

Birchbox came out with a few items to help anyone achieve the hot new look of 2014. Once again I wasn't that thrilled with the products I received so I finally did it, I cancelled my Birchbox subscription. I kept receiving duplicate items, I ordered a hair styling product and it took over two weeks to ship and as far as I'm concerned I've never gotten all that excited about the products.

Let's see the "glam" in the box.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish-$10
This item definitely intrigued me. It is a color changing polish. The color is gold while inside and changes to a reddish orange color when you go outside. The polish is also scented. I didn't really notice it too much but the Birchbox professionals say it has a floral scent.

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy in Model is Monarch-$15
As dry as my skin has been it was nice to use this product. It smelled of vanilla and didn't leave my skin greasy or oily. The cream moisturized my hands and really made them feel great!

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara-$19.50
I don't find many mascaras that I like so it didn't surprise me that this one was just average. It went on smooth and didn't clump but I like mascaras that give my lashes fullness. I have tiny lashes so if after applying a mascara they don't look long and full I'm dissatisfied.

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette-$49
I really loved the color samples that were sent in this palette. I do have to remember they are samples and that means one swipe over the color card and you are dunzo. It's nice to try different shades but when you receive a little trial it's hard to formulate an opinion. 

Agave Healing Oil Treatment-$24
As appealing as it sounds too have sleek, smooth frizz free hair I cannot bring myself to put the oil hair treatments on my scalp. Sorry Wide Open Spaces readers no can do.

This will be my last Birchbox review. As fun as it has been receiving snail mail every month I did not find the products to be useful for myself. I instead put those funds towards the gym and successfully have attended about three times a week now. Until I find another subscription that fits my taste I'll keep loving my Ipsy glam bag. 

Go Get Em Tigress

Here it is, my January Birchbox. I can say I'm not too thrilled about the beauty subscription once again. I am now shopping the beauty market for something more relatable to my liking.

Here's what I received in my box:

1. 100% Fruit Pigmented Mascara-$18
I wasn't very impressed with this mascara. The sample was of tiny size making it hard to use more then a couple of times. I'm also a mascara snob so if you aren't very picky you might be ok with this product.

2. Just Candlenut Body Creme-$35
The first thing that I noticed was the light scent of this cream. It is nice to not gain a headache when you put on a product. The downside was how oily the product left my skin. I immediately wanted to wash my hands.

3. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk-$18
This is the first dry shampoo I have tried without a strong scent. It was almost odorless. Even Madison had me use it on her. I have other brands that I like better and that do not leave my hair with a white coating like this one did.

4. Nail Rock Glitter-$6.99
This is an item I have been wanting to try. The red polish and the red glitter is a perfect combo for Valentine's Day! The polish covered well and the glitter added the perfect touch!

The lifestyle extra for this month was Ahmad Tea London in assorted flavors-$7
I received Apricot Sunrise, English Tea No 1 and Lemon Vitality. I am not a black tea fan so I decided to try the lemon flavor. With my sinus and cold issues this week the lemon tea was quite soothing. The taste was decent and it is also a green tea which makes it my favorite.

How has Birchbox treated you lately? Have you made a switch?

Sparkle And Shine

December's Birchbox has arrived!

Ipsy's glam bag has still won my vote for best beauty subscription this month but Birchbox did have a few good items. I wasn't very excited over this months box and to be completely honest with how hectic things have been due to the upcoming holiday I spent about five minutes looking at the contents.

I have used every single item for about a week now so this review is completely legit :)

1. Harvey Prince, Hello: $55-50ml/ $26-8.8ml
This tiny sample of perfume I surprisingly enjoyed. The sweet, subtle scent makes it a daily wear perfume without giving yourself a headache. I am usually one to stay away from perfume samples. They are usually too strong and I never end up liking them but Birchbox really knows how to pick out the good ones!

2. Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo in Birchbox Love: $29
Who isn't trying to accomplish healthy, glowing perfect looking skin? With this great product it is easy to achieve just that. You can apply it to your face or body alone or mix it in with your foundation to master that flawless look. The lotion had a basic lotion smell not a perfume like scent. The lotion blended well left my cheekbones glowing. Mission accomplished!

3. Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: $30
Since I scrunch my hair and I am a loyal fan to my daily scrunch products I really don't stray away from those certain products. I will use this spray on Madison's flyaways when pulling her hair back.

4. The Honest Company Organic Healing Balm/ Winter Survival Kit: $25
This is a one part of a three part product line co-founded by Jessica Alba. My entire family deals with dry skin, eczema and psoriasis so this balm really comes in handy during this cold and dry season! I have been using this product on my hands every night before I sleep. The scent of the lavender helps me sleep and when I wake up my hands feel soft and moisturized.

The lifestyle extra item that Birchbox included in the box this month was the Twistband Printed Hair Tie: $10-$12 (6 pack)
I have received this item in a previous box but a different print. It holds ponytails in place for the entire day and accents most of my outfits. A win in my book!

Birchbox also included this handy new Birchbox app info card! For more info download the Iphone Birchbox app today!

What did you receive this month?

Birchbox: November 2013

What's in the box?

That is what immediately pops into my head every time I see my Birchbox peeking out of my mailbox every month.

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I cannot tear the packaging open fast enough.

For all of you that might not be up to date on what a Birchbox it is, it is basically a monthly beauty subscription box for $10. 

You receive 4-5 beauty samples. 

Some are full size and some are sample size. 

Most of the time Birchbox provides a wide range of products including edible treats, eyeliner, mascara or even moisturizer. 

The $10 is definitely worth it! I have found some of my favorite products through the Birchbox subscription!

So let's see what's in this month's box!

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection in Top Shelf: $8.00

The picture doesn't do it justice but the nail polish shade is a golden color. I just purchased some Christmas themed glitter last night so this will accent it perfectly! Can't wait to share my new mani!

Vasanti BrightenUP! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: $34.00

I love the way this product smells! It is a mini mircodermabrasion product! Exfoliating the skin and moisturizing as well. This little tube made my skin feel silky smooth and soft in just a few mins!

TOCCA Crema de Mano in Cleopatra: 
$20.00

Around this time of year my skin and hands become very dry. I find myself reaching for moisturizer more than usual. This tube of cream combines my two favorite scents: grapefruit and cucumber! I put this cream on before bed and woke up with great smelling and looking skin!

Chella Highlighter Pencil:
$18.00

I actually have already received this product in a prior Birchbox and I use it almost every day. I also use it as a concealer around my eye area. The eye pencil matches my skin perfectly and hides blemishes along with dark eye circles!












Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bars: 
$6.00

Anyone who knows me knows I love chocolate! Especially chocolate and caramelized honey! This small piece of goodness tasted delicious! I love trying out new decadent treats and this one aimed to please! Birchbox knows the way to a girls heart!

What's in your box this month?

Have you signed up yet or thinking about?

Share your thoughts!!

Birchbox: Beauty Buzz October 2013

Every month when I see my Birchbox in the mailbox I begin to feel like a kid a candy store!
I want to rip open the contents and try each product as fast as I can.

Nothing excites me more then experimenting with new items and finding what works for me without paying the high dollar price in case it doesn't work out.

It looks like Birchbox focused on products receiving the most "buzz" with this months theme named "Beauty Buzz". I love each and every item I received! Birchbox has definitely stepped up their game compared to previous months.

Let's see what was dropped in my mailbox this month!
 
1. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit
    Full Size (3.3 oz cleanser & 2 muslin cloths): $24.50
    Sample Size: (1 oz cleanser & 1 muslin cloth): $9.00

This little combo is actually 2 samples in one. The cleanser and the muslin cloth. I usually don't say this but one sample was enough to feel exactly how these products work. The cleanser left my face feeling baby soft, removed all of my makeup and kept my skin looking fresh. The cloth helped exfoliate the top layer of my skin which is a must!

 

 

 

2. POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer
    Full Size: $14

If I see a lip gloss in this shade, I most likely will not try it. The shade seemed to be a neon pink that shouted "BRIGHT" but I took the plunge to give you an honest review and realized this was not as bright as I had thought. It was actually a light shade of pink which shocked me.

 
The gloss felt great on my lips and restored the moisture I needed in my lips at that time. I threw this sample in my purse, a winner in my book! (ignore the pixilation of the picture)

3. Chapstick Hydration Lock   
    Full size: $2.99

This bad boy really sold itself in this box! Birchbox is sold out! The vanilla scent and softness left on my lips was very satisfying. Most chapsticks have a mint scent which I am not fond of. It is no surprise that these are selling like hot cakes! Best chaptick award goes to Chapsticks hydration lock!

 

4. Folle je Joie eau de parfum
    Full size: $98.00

With a blend of citrus and floral this perfume sample smells great! It isn't too strong or heavy like most samples I receive in the box. The scent is light and fresh and seems perfect for the fall season!

5. Miss Jessie's® Original Crème de la Crème Conditioner
    Full size: $16.00

With my hair emergency blog post yesterday needing help deciding on a new style, I often forget how much my hair needs to be healthy. After using this conditioner my hair smelled and looked great. I had less tangles and my hair didn't feel heavy and weighed down like most conditioners cause.

I absolutely loved all of my products and cannot wait to receive November's box!
Have you signed up with Birchbox?
What is your favorite sample this month?

Birchbox: September 2013

It's that time of the month again! I'm not talking about that dreadful time but the time when the mailman delivers a package to my door step full of surprises!

This is Birchbox's three year anniversary and I am so glad I get to be a part of the celebration! Birchbox sent out a 1000 point golden ticket to 100 lucky subscribers (worth $100 in the Birchbox shop). Although I didn't receive a golden ticket I did receive a coupon for 30% off the Customer Favorites Shop!

This month's theme was Heritage and the card reads:

“The best part about beauty? It’s not the glitter or the gloss, or even those miraculous antioxidants from far-off lands. It’s the stories. Every brand we work with, from the just-hatched to the iconic, has its own fascinating history. Just look at Ruffian, a New York-based fashion label started by two designers with a flair for Victorian drama. Their first nail lacquer collection-which all of our subscribers will get to try this month-was inspired by the runways but voted on by you. File that away for party conversation when someone compliments your mani. This also happens to be our anniversary month, and we can’t let it pass without thanking the people who have helped create our story: our members. All we had was an idea-we needed you to add the magic.”

So let's see what came in our magical box of surprises!

 

I am highly impressed with the items that were sent in the Birchbox this month. It is rare that the products sent are ones you would be using the most of.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara: Full Size-$24
I am really liking this mascara. I have used it for about three days now and I love the volume it gives my lashes. It is also waterproof and for a woman that is a must for those emotional type of days!

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream SPF 45: Full size-$39
When I first began receiving the Birchbox's I found myself very confused on what a BB cream actually does and what the need for it is. After using BB creams almost every morning I don't understand why I didn't use it sooner. The product provides light coverage and helps with the signs of aging skin!

Ruffian Nail Lacquer-Hedge Fund: Full Size-$10
I apologize in advance for the crappy picture. I couldn't seem to capture the real color and look of this polish.  It is a great color for fall and would really enhance any ensemble. It is rare that I receive a bad polish in my Birchbox.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips: Full size-$14.50
Now that the weather is changing and it is becoming more dry and cool my lips need more lip balm. This tiny little sample packed a great product to try. The balm had a thicker substance with a feel of Vaseline. The creamy layer added a great amount of moisture and silkiness to my lips. This is a must have for anyone with dry, chapped or cracked lips!

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Amika Blow Up Spray: Full Size-$24
I became a little too excited about this product and used it the same night I received my Birchbox and totally forgot to include a picture with the rest of my items. This product added great texture to my hair. My hair smelled great, looked silky and smooth and I didn't have to worry about static. Although my all time favorite product for hair is Birchbox's Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle this item ranks among the top as well.

(Post Amika Blow Up Spray)
I also received in the mail my Ipsy bag (review to come)
Both subscriptions are $10 and come with the best products to try before you buy!

Have you signed up yet? If so, which one is your favorite?

Birchbox: August 2013

It's that time again!
This month's Birchbox included 5 products that are fabulous! Birchbox collaborated with Ann Taylor to help create affordable looks for the fall!

The great thing about Birchbox is you get to try high end products in a sample size and then decide from there to buy a full size portion at regular price.

No one likes to buy something and then find that it doesn't work the way it was expected. So being able to test out 4-5 products for $10 is worth every penny!

Harvey Prince Eau Flirt - Lavender Pumpkin - 100 ml-$98

This sample came at the perfect time! With fall right around the corner the scent of pumpkin, lavender, apple and cinnamon sets the mood for the season. I have a collection of perfumes and body sprays so being able to try another is great!

Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer- 2 oz-$28

I use a moisturizer every morning and night. My skin tends to get very dry after I cleanse so it is a must that I re-hydrate my skin. I have loved all of Juice Beauty's products since I started receiving them in my Birchbox and this product worked just as well as the others.

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick-Set of 3-$24

I received Disco Fever which is a coral color. While it is not my favorite shade it is always nice to try something new. With the right outfit I can see this adding an extra "pop" to my look.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash-6 0z-$22

The most refreshing body wash scent is coconut. It makes me think of days spent on the beach and the smell of tanning lotion and pina coladas! This tube of body wash left my skin smelling great and silky soft!

Birchbox usually adds in a  "Beauty Extra" which happened to be the Whish Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes-$22

I have never heard of or used this product before so it was fun to see how the product worked. I do have to say that it worked better than I had expected. It comes in a small convenient pack so they can be carried in a small handbag or tossed in the gym bag. A quick swipe under the arm and you are good to go. No sweat, odor or wetness!

Want to join in on the fun? Visit Birchbox today and sign up! There's nothing quite like receiving a little package in the mail each month!

Power Play July 2013

For most of us when summer hits we change our entire routine, including our makeup and beauty routine. We look for easier, faster and more simple ways of doing things. Who wants to spend an hour putting on makeup, doing our hair and getting out the door?
Birchbox took a different approach this month to make our lives a little easier when it comes to our beauty products. Products that last longer and are perfect for work or play.

Birchbox releases a sneak peek video each month displaying the available products that we might receive. Let's watch that video:

The box that I received had some really great samples and I was pleased with this month's box!

 

Receiving the $10 beauty box subscription monthly allows me to develop a broad knowledge of products! Every month there has been at least one to two items that have been added to my permanent product storage. Birchbox has made it worth every penny.

 

The first item I received really excited me, Benefit Cosmetics Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow for $36. In the past few months I have been getting really involved in testing out more anti aging products. This product allows light to medium coverage for your face and is oil free while smoothing out your skin. Vitamins C & E are included in the product to fight the aging process.
 

I have never used bobby pins in my entire life. I know this seems shocking but I am not really an updo person and putting one on the side of my head doesn't look good to me. So I used these bobby pins in Madison's hair. They stayed pretty well and looked quite stylish with her outfit. If you are big on bobby pins the Birchbox Bobby Pins for $5 (a set of 6) are ones to snag.

The Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume for $85.00/50 ml seems to be one of the top perfumes I have received. It has a clean and fresh scent and doesn't seem to be overpowering. I would only use this perfume on the wrist and neck. It wouldn't be a perfume I would spray all over myself.
 

Since I received Birchbox's Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle I didn't think I would find a better hair product but Number 4 Super Comb Prep and Protect for $32.00 delivered. This is a leave in conditioner that leaves your hair smooth, frizz free and restores the moisture! The product smells great and I am so glad to have received this sample!

The smell of COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for $32.00 is amazing! The refreshing scent of cucumber gives you the feeling of layering your face and skin with a mask. Most sunscreens leave your skin oily and greasy but this one is lightweight and oil free. I used the sunscreen on my shoulders and my nose and cheeks where I usually get the most sun and it worked perfectly!

I love Birchbox and have found their products to be a great guide to exploring new products!
You receive points with your purchases and the monthly box only costs $10! It is one of the best beauty investments I’ve ever made.

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What did you receive in your Birchbox?

Have you signed up?