November Birchbox 2012

November's Birchbox was a lot better than last months Goop box. Even though the items are few and okay. It was at least a winner with the addition of a full-sized mascara. So that makes this month alright in my books.

•  Miracle Skin Transformer / Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector - Before applying your makeup, prep skin with this serum-infused primer, which has optical diffusers that mask imperfections.
• Lulu Organics / Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder - Revive second-day locks by working this organic dry shampoo into your roots. You'll get plenty of lift, but no residue.
• Model Co / Fibre Lash Extend - Lengthening Mascara- Falsies without the fuss. This innovative mascara uses tiny lash-extending fibers to give you a lengthy fringe. Rotate the wand inside the bottle to pick up the fibers.
• Atelier Cologne / Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolute - Thanks to spicy ginger and a touch of bergamot, this sexy new rose scent is more sophisticated than sweet.
• Lifestyle Extra / Chuao Chocolatier / Assorted ChocoPod - Potato Chip - These bite-sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors.

The last item main item was a cute Holiday 2012 Gift Guide for helping you to find the perfect item for the special person in your life whether boy or girl. I really liked this addition it gives me hint for gift giving to whom else, but ME.

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October Goop Birchbox 2012

This is my first ever Birchbox that I completely disliked. I was so bummed about it. First of all I was sent an email to opt in or out for the Goop box. Well I opted out I didn't want another themed box if given a choice, which I was. I opted for the usual October Birchbox themed Transformations. I have in the past whether by choice or not have received several themed boxes most of them weren't all that great. So imagine my surprise when this box arrived to my home. I was so upset. I had already seen some of YouTube videos on this box and hardly anyone was happy with them. So moving on I don't know what was the point of giving us a choice if it wasn't going to matter anyway. Now on to the Goop box. Which I aptly named the "Poop" box.

• Illume/ Red Cedar Candle- Made with soy, beeswax, and essential oils, this candle features a warm scent that comes courtesy of red cedar and vetiver.
• Jouer/ Lip Enhancer- This best-seller gives you the moisturizing punch of a balm with the satiny finish of a gloss. We're hooked and we know you will be, too. Well first of all they could have given a full-sized one. I hate the Jouer samples they are so tiny and only one if even that in uses.
• Kiehls/ Rosa Arctica Eye- Conquer dark circles with the brightening eye balm, which is made with collagen-boosting flower extracts.
• Supergoop!/ City Sunscreen Serum- Wear this award-winning brand's silky SPF 30 serum under your makeup for a weightless UV shield. Okay another item that could have been given in a bigger sample size or even the $20 purse sized would have been nice. I hate these tiny foil packets that you can get free anywhere. So another bust with that one.
• Luna/ LemonZest Bar- These are zesty snacks that are a goop fave. They're perfect to keep you full in between meals ( plus they double as a healthy dessert!) You know what no thanks I'd rather not have a food product in my box. Thank you. Especially lemon I despise lemon anything except lemonade. I don't like anything lemon. I just don't. Now, lime is okay.   

With that being said, I'm so over this months box. I hope that next months box is better. In September 2011 I first joined Birchbox and in October 2011 that's when I received my first box with them. So this month I celebrated 1 year with Birchbox and have never been so upset until now. I know that they will have great boxes in the months to come, but this one really put me off. I stay because you can get points when reviewing the samples and use them in the Birchbox store towards full-sized products so that's why I stay it's like paying $5 a for the box instead of $10. When you do the reviews so with that happy. So Happy 1st anniversary me for being with Birchbox a whole year. Here's to what next year has in store.

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September Birchbox 2012

• Color Club/Birchbox Custom Polish- Status Update- They teamed up with Color Club to create several custom shades, inspired by the Fall 2012 collections.
• Nexxus/Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System- Infused with coconut oil and amino acids, this shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment work together to fix unsightly split ends. Now that is great except I don't have any split ends. Nor do I like the terrible foil packet thingies. They are awful can't they just do small plastic bottles like everyone else for these samples.
• Twistband/Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie- Designers go gaga for lace this season and we don't blame them. Get on board with these ouch-free hair ties. Well I already had gotten one of these months ago in a box. It was even the same color. I ended up losing it before I could even try it. Well mine is a plain turquoise blue. Not sure what they mean my lace b/c I don't see any.
• Vasanti/ Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator- This exfoliating cleanser uses professional- grade (read: effective) microderm crystals and papaya enzymes to brighten dull skin.
• Youngblood/Mineral Primer- Prevent makeup meltdowns with this clear gel primer, which contains skin-soothing vitamins and minerals.
• As the lifestyle extras from Mighty Leaf Tea Company/Teas- Swap your afternoon latte for these yummy tea blends, made from natural, ethically sourced ingredients.
• Birchbox Digital Download/Tristan Prettyman- is there latest musical crush. Download 2 of his brand new tracks. Never heard of him and also I never do downloads anyway so oh well.

If you are interested in joining Birchbox please click this link https://www.birchbox.com?raf=4h5l0

August Birchbox 2012

• Caldera/Handsoap- A delicious smelling soap loaded with aloe vera and olive oil to soften and moisturize hands. I'm not sure how I feel about these small samples of this soap. I would have perfered a small bottle of some sort just saying.

• Juicy Couture/Viva la Juicy La Fleur- A modern scent that is a feminine blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily. I was unfortunally unable to try this since the bottle came broken. I'm going to be sent a replacement soon.

• DDF/Brightening Cleanser- This foaming gel uses an all-star team of skin brighteners to fade discoloration and even out skin tone. I have been trying this and like it except it really dries my super oily skin especially around my nose, mouth and chin area. No bueno if it dries my skin. I haven't seen any brightening so far nor evening out of my skin tone which I so greatly need. I'm only using it once a day at night.

• Pixi Beauty/Beauty Blush- This cheek-sculpting blush softens skin with rosehip and honeysuckle flower extracts. Now this I was happy to get in my box. I did get rosey color which I thought was not pretty until I put it on. Then I really liked it a lot. This brand is sold at Target that is how I'm familiar with this brand. This is my first product from them and I love it.

• Schick/ Hydro Silk Razor- This was a part of something new from Birchbox it's called Birchbox Finds. This is when they keep an eye out for affordable finds that will improve your day to day. This razor has a water-activated serum that moistruizes the skin while you shave and the innovative oval-shaped design hugs tricky areas like the knees and ankles.

July Birchbox 2012 with Glamour Magazine

I was thrilled and excited to find out last month that Birchbox had teamed up with Glamour Magazine to do a box. It was titled the 5 senses which were smell it, touch it, taste it, hear it, and see it. So of course I couldn't wait to see what was inside my box. Well I didn't have to wait any longer because it came earlier than expected and for that I was grateful.

Now as for what was in my box I was not to jazzed about this month. I do think that this was way better than the Gossip Girl box that was given out in May. All though I still was not as happy to get what I got. I really was hoping for the Eyeko eyeliner (I had heard great things about it) and some of the other items that they had previewed in their video. I normally get most of the items they feature.

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide. This finishing gloss prevents UV rays from fading color while organic bamboo extracts keep hair strong and soft. Sample Value $2.40

Dr. Jart + Water fuse BB Cream. This lightweight moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint is the a must have for this summer in your beauty lineup. Sample Value $6.40

Here is what the color looks like and the after effect with coverage.

Stila Lip Glaze in Tropica Punch. This tropical shade from the Tiki Lip Glaze Trio combines sheer color with mega-watt shine. While this is okay and you would think I would be grateful well I don't care for this color. PS I also have like 6 of these lip shines and never once used them. So I really didn't need another. Well how would they have known right. Sample Value $4

Suki Nourishing Kit set of 5 products. With a fresh botanical scent, this all-in-one set uses natural ingredients to hydrate and brighten skin. While doing a little research on this I came to find out that this 5 PC foil sample set is sold at on the Dermstore's website. So they are selling the exact same set except with 7 samples instead of 5. The sample set consists of the same sized foil packets for $17.95. Which is crazy in my opinion. The Birchbox set for $50 are larger samples in actual bottles. They are still pricey though. Sample Value $2.56 each packet total for set $12.83.

Lifestyle Extras were from Lara Bar the Uber bar. The latest addition to their snack drawer, these healthy and satisfying bars are packed with dried fruits and nuts. Sample Value $1.75

The Birchbox exclusive was Ear buds designed for us in cute neon colors. I'm really happy to get these I can always use a spare pair for my purse while on the go. Sample Value $5

So that was my box all 5 senses. Touch It was the Alterna Bamboo UV+ Spray. See It was the Dr, Jart + BB Cream and the Stila Lip Glaze. Smell It was the Suki Nourishing Kit. Taste It was the Lara bar and of course Hear It was the Ear buds. So overall all it was an alright box. At least I didn't get a perfume sample like so many others did for Smell It. This box was valued at $32.38

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June Birchbox 2012

I was so thrilled to get this months Birchbox. It was awesome and I was so surprised to see a full-sized product. Well anyways let get into the box. This months box was themed Jet Set. It was a box that was devoted to products that would indulge your inner jet setter. As for me I really don't travel that much & if I do go anywhere it's maybe a day trip and I rarely stay the night. Unless I go and see my parents then that will involve a longer visit. I do fly there so some of these items will be handy.

So In my Jet setting box is the following: Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive Towelettes 2 pack of them which is great. So who needs the sun when you can tan safe. This is a build able, and natural-looking tan which won't make you orange. They are Europe's bestselling towelettes. I normally don't like tanning at all. I tend to stay pale. So I may try these on my legs just to see how they work. It says one towelette will work on the whole body. I must be sure to exfoliate well so that I won't get any weird patches. Sample value is $2.25 each

From Masquelogy a Pore Minimizing Mask which is a sheet mask. This mask targets visible pores and shrinks them. While amping up your skins moisture levels. Use it daily and if your brave- during your flight. Sample value $8.00

Now this was the product that made my day and June's box. It was the Stila One Step Bronze. This says fake an island glow with this three-in-one bronzer, primer, and serum. It also keeps your skin's oil production in check. So with that I think this will be interesting to try. I have used powdered bronzers in the past & never liked the way they looked on me. So this should be nice. I will indeed use this. This sample was full-sized so its value $36

The last item was from The Balm. It is there Stainiac in Beauty Queen. I already own this and really like it. So I was happy to get a sample sized one for my purse and travel. This two-in-one lip and cheek stain is a sheer gel formula that delivers a subtle, long-wearing flush. Sample value $2.27

So as a lifestyle extra I did get what you would call a pretty zip-lock bag. This bag is from Tili. You can breeze through airport security with these too-cute plastic bags. They're perfectly sized for storing all your travel essentials(and beauty samples). I sure you could use them for snacks or a sandwich as well. Sample value $0.94

So the last item was for Birchbox Man which is a $20 monthly service. It was a sample of a cologne from John Varvatos Star USA. So in honor of Father's Day they included this dapper cologne, a blend of ginger, juniper, berries, and vetiver. I will give this to my husband to try. Maybe he will like it. Sample value $1.63

Like I said, earlier this box is fantastic. I really loved everything inside this box. The value of the box was $53.34. With that being said you can join birchbox for only $10 a month. If you have any questions or want me to review in depth any of these items let me know. Thanks.

Zoya Blogger Collection by Birchbox

This nail collection is a collaboration of Birchbox and Zoya. They teamed up with top beauty bloggers to create these custom polishes. Each blogger designed a mood board based on her favorite spring/summer color, and then they asked their Facebook fans to pick the top three boards to complete the Zoya blogger collection. You'll wear these on-trend shades all season. Apply one coat of this buildable jelly formula for a wash of color or layer for a pop of color!

The winners were...... Coraline by Eleventh Gorgeous, Kate by The Small Things, and Belle by Capitol Hill Style.

Here are the colors from left to right. Coraline which is a beautiful tangerine jelly. The next color is Kate which is a rosey grapefruit jelly. Which is very pretty. The last color is Belle which is a sheer jelly base shade with copper, gold, and fuchsia flakes. This is a great color that is meant to layer on top of the other colors or wear on its own. I really like this color. The colors above are very sheer and can be easily built up. In this picture this was three thin coats of each color without a top coat.

This is a limited edition set that retails for $22 for all three colors and is available on www.birchbox.com. I did use my Birchbox points to purchase this set. So essentially it was free. This does not in any way effect my review. If you want to try Birchbox so you can earn points towards free products then use this referral link. http://www.birchbox.com?raf=4h5l0. Thanks.

May Gossip Girl Birchbox 2012

So where do I begin. I got my May Birchbox really fast this month. I just got an email saying it was shipped on Monday. Then when I went to get my mail yesterday it was there. Wow!

Well this months box was another themed box. Like March's Teen Vogue box. This one was from Gossip Girl. Well that's fine and dandy. I don't watch Gossip Girl no care to and I thought that this box would be awesome. Especially since it was themed and supposedly the items were picked out by the hair and makeup people on the show. Well nonetheless I was very disappointed in the box. I was expecting a lot more from them.

This box was themed Black Tie Ball. There were also other themed styles like Chic Sunday Brunch & Hampton's Beach Party. I'm not sure if there were others. Upon seeing many youtube videos almost 95% I saw got the Chic Sunday Brunch box. It was alright. I'll take the one I got any day to that one. The best one I thought was the Hampton's one.Well anyway lets get started.

First of all I got yet another perfume sample which I don't need. This stuff is so expensive a Full-sized bottle is $165 wow. It's by Arquiste the name is L'Etrog warm notes of citron, palm leaves, and myrtle combine in this transporting scent, inspired by the aromas of a medieval harvest festival in Calabria, Italy. Ok so unless you were there how would you know what a medieval harvest smells like. EWWW. The tiny sample size is worth about $???? I tried to figure it out but, oh well.

The next item is the Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow which I'm not thrilled with either. I'm familar with the one for the face HSN sells it. It have yet to try that one. I may try this on my face instead. It says, don't settle for anything but flawless skin- all over your body. This tinted treatment erases blemishes and scars on arms, legs, and decollete. Full-sized is $34. This deluxe sized sample is $6.76 give or take.

I was happy though to see that I got an Ojon product a nice deluxe size of their Volume advance Volumizing Shampoo. This is made with ultra nourishing Central American ojon oil, this weightless shampoo helps hair look and feel thicker. Full-sized is $22. This sample is $2.75 give or take.

I saved the best item in the box for last. Which was from Stila. A Full-sized Sparkle Waterproof liquid eye liner in Rock Candy which is a rich chocolate brown. Pearly shimmer meets intense pigment in this lasting liner. Better yet, the pen-like wand makes wiggle-free application a breeze. This retails for $22. 

For the lifestyle extra I got a notecard wow. These Birchbox notecards come in a set of 12 for $10. So this card is worth $1.20. Like I needed a card. They could have put in another awful perfume sample and I would I like that much better. What's weird is as of this posting it's sold out on there site. All in all the box was alright it was valued at about $32.71.

What was your thoughts on this box? If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I will try to review the liner, shampoo, and Miracle skin transformer. Later when I have had time to test them out.

April Birchbox 2012

 

Well several days ago I received my April Birchbox. I had already peeked as to what I was going to get. So it wasn't a huge surprise. Well I was not as excited this month. This is my 7th month with them. So I expected something different and more Wow.

This months box was themed Natural Wonders.Which I guessed was kinda Earth Day inspired. I was loving the green toned paper a welcome break from their signature hot pink paper.

 So included in my box were the following items. Alima Pure organic nourishing lip balm in Rhubarb. This lip tint is made with plant butters and delivers a natural flush of color. Full-sized is $7. This kinda reminds me of the Bert's Bees lip tints which I already have . The packaging reminded me of the Soft lips brand same size and concept and also the same smell. So this was OK for me but, not a Wow. 

The other item was from J.R. Watkins which was a Foot Repair Salve in a travel size. This salve says rough heels are no match for this restorative balm. The zesty scent perks up tired tootsies. A full-sized is $8.99. I figured this sample was around $2.50 give or take. It is alright but, not something I needed or wanted to try. So I'll give it a shot I guess.

Then I got yet another perfume sample. I'm so tired of receiving these. I wish there was an opt-out button because I'm allergic like I've said, time and time before to many perfumes. Any who this perfume or as they call it parfum. It is from LIV GRN it's a Natural Eau de Parfum. It is made from sustainable ingredients, this bright scent is filled with orange and neroli. A full-sized is a whopping $60. My tiny signature sample is valued at around $2.00.

The next product is from Weleda it's a Pomegranate Firming Night Cream. This Swiss brand's new anti-aging cream overhauls skin with a potent blend of Turkish pomegranate, Jojoba, and macadamia nut oils. Wow! another face cream I have so many to choose from. So that I can do future reviews. YAY! Anyways full-size is $37 which makes my sample at around $7.70.

The last product was what they call a Beauty Extra. Well this extra was one I already have many of. Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes. These nifty wipes remove all signs of makeup and grime. Plus, they refresh the skin with a fruity blend of apple, blueberry, and lemon peel extracts. Now I'm wondering if they are really brightening because my face does need it. Full-sized is a 30 pack for $7.99 my sample pack of 8 was $2.99. I've seen this 8 pack at my local Ulta for the same price.

I of course have yet to try any of these goodies. I'm not sure when I will. Since I keep getting similar items from all my boxes and also when I get a gift with purchases at Macy's and Nordstrom. So with that I guess it was an OK box but, nothing to knock my socks off. Well there is always next months box. Which I'm really excited about because I just found out the May's box will be a Gossip Girl sponsored box. Which if it's anything like the Teen Vogue box in March then it should be awesome. The total value for my box this month was about $22.19.

My March Teen Vogue Birchbox 2012

Today was a great day I received my March Birchbox but, this was just not any box this was a special one.  This was the Teen Vogue box that was given if you opted in for it.  I was extremely excited to get it.  Even though I'm way passed the teen stages of age.  I still thought it would be fun to have it.  Vogue is very well known throughout the world & their aren't many who haven't heard of them.  I'm including several pictures of my box and what was in it.  Later on I will review these items to see how well I liked them or not.

In this box I received the following items.  Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Perfume in a sample size which says its a blend of fresh fruity notes & musk, this French fragrance is a definition of understated chic.  A full sized is $85.  The next item was Essie's luxeffects glittery top coat in A cut above which is a very hot pink glitter for placing onto any polish for an eye-catching look or even just wear it alone.  Full sized is $8. Which this was a full-sized item.  The next item was Shiseido Pureness Oil- Control blotting papers in a sample sized version of 20 sheets.  These mattifying tissues are coated with transparent rice powder to leave your skin shine-free. Full-sized is 100 sheets for $18.  The next item was a full sized version of Tarte LipSurgence Lip tint which this item I do already own in another color.  And really like it as well the color I got was amused and this is a very hot pink color.  This lip tint is a long-lasting stain that adds rich pigment & is designed to boost the moisture in your lips.   Full sized is $24.  The last item was a turquoise hairband by Twistband this comes in colorful snag-free elastics to give your ponytail a makeover.  12 pack is $18.  The other bonuses were a card for a discount of $10 off to Mod Cloth it says towards a fancy new frock for spring.  Then a card to subscribe to Teen Vogue 20 issues which is 2 years for $10.  Now that's a deal.  So far I'm very pleased with this months box & glad that I took a chance on it.  In all I got a great deal this month for $10.  I got two full-sized products worth a total of $32 for both.  And with the added items not including the extra bonuses.  The total worth of the box was valued at about $38.50 which was not that bad at all.