Birchbox: February 2016

This month’s Birchbox

I received my Birchbox yesterday, and have to say that I’m a bit happier with the sample sizes.  That being said, there is one product I really don’t care for.  The February box featured a nice variety of products for the shower/bath, lips, face/body, and a fragrance.  The sizes of the products were bigger than they have been in the past, which is a plus.  I hope that trend continues. 

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 The Naobay moisturizing cream has the initial consistency of a lotion, but once I rubbed it into mu skin, it was hydrating like a body cream.  I used it on my face, but it was a bit too heavy, so for now I’ll use it as a hand cream.  The product, in my opinion, has the fragrance of Froot Loops, but is barely detectable and dissipates quickly.  Would I purchase the product?  Probably not, only because there are other creams I prefer.  I do, however,recommend that you try it, especially if you have drier skin.

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 I was happy to see a full-sized ARROW BOOST lip balm.  I had been wanting to try it out, so it was a nice surprise.  The color-enhancing balm will be a nice addition to my makeup bag.  Similar to Smashbox’s O-GLOSS and tarte’s LipSurgence skintuitive gloss, this balm activates color once it touches your skin.  On me, the color was much lighter that I expected; it was barely there.  My lips feel hydrated, but I don’t think that will last.  The description says that the product works with the body and adjusts to your pH.  There are mixed reviews, but I like the product.  Would I purchase it?  Probably not, only because I have favorite lip balms and colors to spare.  As far as taste goes, there is a hint of mint and something else that I can’t describe.

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 Not Soap, Radio‘s bath & shower gel scented with coconut, mango, and vanilla, was a tropical surprise.  The scent is exactly as described.  When I opened the cap, I was transported back to Hawai’i, and the beautiful beaches of Waikiki.  This product is something I would consider purchasing once I finish the other products I have.  I like that this is a multi-use product, so I can have it as a bubble bath– it won’t be very bubbly, but it’ll smell amazing, or as a shower gel.  I am also going to try using it on the bottom part of my hair. Who knows?  It might make a great shampoo.

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 TOCCA’s Emelia eau de parfum sample was welcomed because (1) I LOVE Tocca, and (2) I haven’t tried this particular scent.  The sample itself was not big enough, in my opinion.  I also wish it came in a spray vial instead of just having a cap as it makes it difficult to apply.  The eau de parfum is not like the others.  It has floral and citrus notes as well as a woodsy component.  It is not a personal favorite.  I prefer Florence or Cleopatra.

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 I am always on the lookout for hair products.  Terax crema had relatively positive reviews, so when I saw it in my box, I was eager to try it out.  This is, by far, one of the worst products I have ever used in terms of scent.  The conditio
ner works like any other I could get at the store.  The smell, however…well, I’m just glad it didn’t linger.  Have you ever gone camping at El Capitan?  Well, imagine if you will, a campground restroom that has been sprayed with Lysol.  Now take that scent and bottle it in a conditioner.  That is what you get with this.  Perhaps it was a bad batch; many reviews stated that the scent was great.  This is a product I can’t wait to run out of.  Would I buy it?  Absolutely not.  Whether or not you try it is up to you.  I just hope yours has a better scent than this one.

Here is the product list included in the box:

Stay beautiful!

Birchbox: This Time it’s like Christmas in July!

So I walked down to the mailbox, and was greeted by the July Birchbox.  I started my subscription last year, and after the June box had seriously considered cancelling.  Boy am I glad I didn’t.  The July box features the following:   A benefit mini they’re real mascara, mini Stila liquid lipstick (I received the shade Venizia), a travel-sized Oribe dry hair texturizing spray, a deluxe sample of COOLA‘s cucumber SPF 30 sunscreen, and a deluxe sample of Dr. Brandt‘s microdermabrasion (one of my favorite exfoliators!).

I haven’t had an opportunity to try everything just yet, but as soon as I do, I will have a review.  Did you receive the July box?  I would love to know your thoughts on which product(s) did or didn’t work for you.

Also, if you haven’t subscribed but would like to, click here to sign up.  It’s easy and you can cancel at any time.

Stay beautiful!


 

Subscription Box Sunday

I have been thinking about doing a subscription box piece over the weekend, so here we are.

Sorry the photo is a bit wonky!  These were the items in my Birichbox this month.  Oops!  I forgot to include the hair mask packet.
This is my fourth Birchbox, and so far I have been really pleased.  There is always a variety.  In this box, there was a lip crayon by mirenesse, small sample of eye cream by Supergoop!, small sample of No. 4 clarifying shampoo, small sample of No. 4 hair mask (not pictured), Cargo blush, and travel-sized Oscar Blandi mousse.  Unfortunately, the shampoo’s cap had come unscrewed, and leaked everywhere. The shampoo got all over the other products, and was partially absorbed into the box & wrapping tissue.  Each box is $10.00, though it is cheaper if you subscribe for multiple boxes at a time.  Shipping is included, which a nice.  At first, I was unsure if the price would be worth it; so far, it has.  I also tried out the men’s box.  it is double the price, but given the price of the goods inside, it’s no wonder.  I would recommend both to try.  With all of the options, who knows what will end up being your next favorite product!

This is the shampoo I will not get to try, since it leaked out.  This was taken after I closed the lid.
I am looking forward to reviewing these products, and seeing what the latest Birchbox brings.  On a side note, I have also had excellent experiences with their online shop.  There are some great deals, discounts (sometimes), and freebies.  You can also gift the men’s and women’s boxes!
Here are some photos of the Birchboxes I have received in the past:

Sorry this is tilted!  It was one of the men’s boxes.