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

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







Sephora's Sun Safety Kit 2012

I will be showing you what was inside my Sephora Sun Safety Kit for 2012.Which includes 17 pieces of SPF essentials and safe-self tanners for beautiful skin. I must admit I have had this sitting on my shelf for somewhile and was meaning to do a small review last month. Then of course time and other products got in the way so now I finally have a free moment. I will show this product how it came and what was inside.

So here is a little background on this kit. Sephora and The Skin Cancer Foundation have collabrated for this their sixth edition of the Sun Safety Kit. This annual partnership in sun protection is one of Sephora's most popular kits. The collection features 14 deluxe, sample-size sun protectants, three self-tanning products, and a bonus re-usable train case. This year's selections includes past favorites, as well as new additions for your sun protection arsenal. Also One hundred percent of the net profits from this kit will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. All this for $30 and is valued at $193. Which is not bad for all the goodies inside.

I will not be giving individual reviews for each as I will be doing individual reviews for some of the items I do use. I may not use all of them or may not care to. According to many reviews that I read on Sephora.com this is apparently done every year and sells pretty well. Since this is my first time purchasing this kit. So lets get started.

2.5 oz St. Tropez Gradual Tan Sample Value $11.20

0.03 oz Bare Essentials bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil and brush Sample Value $17.85
0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 Sample Value $12
0.5 oz Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Sample Value $10.29
0.4 oz Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer Sample Value $15.60
Sample Value for this side is $66.94

0.5 oz Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 Sample Value $12.86
0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Protect The Truth SPF 50+ Sunscreen Sample Value $10.30
0.33 oz Supergoop! SPF 30 Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body Cream Sample Value $5.68
.169 oz Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 Sample Value $3.04
Sample Value for this side is $31.88

1 Tan Towel Classic Self-Tan Towelette for Face & Body Sample Value $2.40
1 Kate Somerville 360 degree Face Self Tanning Pad Sample Value $6.00
0.23 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA+++ Sample Value $11.96
0.23 oz Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++ Sample Value $12.43
Sample Value for this side is $32.79

0.33 oz Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 Sample Value $14.67
0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer SPF 15 w/ Dermaxyl Complex Sample Value $13.13
0.33 oz Dr. Jart + Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA +++ Sample Value $9.19
0.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30 Sample Value $12.36 -Sample Value for this side is $49.35

So the total value for all the samples are $180.96 plus $12.20 for the acrylic train case so the grand total is $193.16. So I do think that this is a great value and even though I won't probably use all these products. Did you get one this year? What do you think about it? Have you used most of the products? Which are your favorites? Let me know.