Goodebox: July 2012

My July Goodebox was my first package at my new house! A nice house warming! Boy does my mailman have his work cut out for him. I think he has a good idea now that I've been here a few months.

What is Goodebox?
Goodebox is a monthly subscription service that delivers trial size healthy, eco-conscious, natural beauty and personal care products. Each month you will receive 6 or more products customized for you. The brands and products that Goodebox send out have been thoroughly evaluated upon the brand's use of non-toxic, natural ingredients that respect earth, animals, and humanity. The samples will range from make-up, skincare, body, fragrances, and some lifestyle and wellness products. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked are based on a very detailed, thorough survey that even lets you indicate color preferences, any allergies, vegan, sensitivities, etc. Goodebox costs $16 a month, but the value of your box will be way above!
Click here to join Goodebox.

July 2012, Curated by Starre Vartan
Last month I got an email from Goodebox stating that due to the increasing difficulty of finding products without bee products that they've update the FAQ for new members that vegan boxes from time to time will contain products containing beeswax. Because I was an early member they wanted to email me specifically because I hadn't heard of this new policy. Also, one of the July products was initially believed to be fully vegan, but on review it contained beeswax. It was the one full-size product in the July box and Goodebox knew there was no way they'd be able to find a replacement in time. What was great is that Goodebox gave me a choice. I had the option to:

• Have the product sent to me anyways. And also update my profile to state Im okay with beeswax from time to time
• Don't include the full-size product and instead include a vegan sample
• Don't send the box at all

 I emailed them back and asked if I could make my own option. I was okay with them sending the beeswax product this one time, but I do not want to ever receive products with beeswax in the future. And they were totally cool about it!

This month Goodebox was curated by Starre Vartan who is the founder of www.Eco-Chick.com and an eco travel website. Just how Starre helps eco gals travel the globe and try new things, Goodebox is brining us new products this month that may help us be a bit more adventurous in our beauty routine.

 Information Card:

Products:
100% Pure: Fruit Pigmented Gel Cheek Tint in Strawberry
100% natural cheek tint gives your cheeks sheer, beautiful color from the pigments of antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit.
Full Size: 0.5 oz ($13.00)
Size Received: 0.05 oz? ($1.30)
I receive emails from 100% Pure and had no idea it was a beauty brand. I thought it was just a groupon style service for eco beauty products. How did I get added to it...who knows? This is the summer of cheek tints. I got a tint in every single subscription service. This tint from 100% pure is a bit pinker than any of the others I've received and I love it! It actually does an amazing job at staining so it lasts so much longer than the other ones I've tried! I get a fresh, dewy blush color from this tint. It is great for every day. I love that even sample sizes of tints will last forever!

100% Pure: Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Ani-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs while increasing circulation to brigten dark circles. Potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants & nourishing rosehip oil to make eye area look more awake, increasing hydrating, firmness and elasticity.
Full Size: 1 oz ($19.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($9.50)
Waking up at 5am every day has done a number of my eyes. My dark circles are even worse than they were when I was in graduate school. This eye cream is infused with coffee and green tea that depuff and increase circulation which will help reduce fine lines, dark circles, improve firmness, and moisturize. Based on a study done by the company most people saw immediate results. And the reviews on other websites are just as positive. I loved the smell, like coffee, cherry, chocolate all rolled up in one. I almost wanted to eat it. I don't think I can say if it helped yet since I only used it once. But, it absorbed well and wasn't oily which was great. I'll keep using this and see if my eyes improve!

Benecos: Maximum Volume Mascara
Provide maximum volume instantly  for even the thinnest of lashes with this rich mascara with Vitamin E. Organic jojoba oil creates a silky smooth, non-clumping formula that's also gentle on eyes. Excellent for sensitive eyes.
Full Size: 0.27 oz ($16.49)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.27 oz ($16.49)
Last month we received a Benecos natural duo eyeshadow which I loved! I was more than excited to see that this month there was another Benecos products. It happens to be the full-size product that contained beeswax, naturally it was a mascara. Most volumizing mascaras use beeswax to help build thick, long lashes so I definitely understood once I saw the bottle.This is a deep black mascara that  has one of the smoothest applications I've ever tried. The brush is also pretty amazing. It is so soft and plush. My mascara lasted all day, had perfect separation, and didnt irritate my sensitive eyes. My only dislike is the raccoon eyes that occurred after I took a shower. I am so used to blinc and not having raccoon eyes that it surprised me. I tested it out today on my long, HOT run and it did hold up pretty well, but I did have some blackening. So maybe this is just for days with little physical activity or as a base layer before I put on Blinc, extra volume!

Natural Vitality: Natural Calm in Raspberry Lemon
Magnesium and calcium are fundamental nutrients that require balance for optimal health. Unless properly balanced, magnesium becomes depleted, which can negatively affect our ability to recover from stress and can itself be a source of stress.
Full Size: 8 oz ($23.95)
Size Received: 0.24 oz ($0.72)

I dislike with a passion taking vitamins. I always buy them and end up wasting half the bottle since I lose interest in large horse pills or nasty tasting organic crap. I know as a vegan I should be more careful, but I try and get all of my vitamins in my natural diet. I know I don't always get it so I am always up to try dietary drinks. I'm more likely to take my vitamins if it is delicious. Natural Calm is a magnesium supplement (350mg per 2 tsp). Magnesium is necessary for proper relaxation of muscles. Calcium on the other hand excites muscles. This ratio of calcium and magnesium is necessary for proper health, but if you don't have enough magnesium then your body will never fully turn off making you more stressed. So this supplement can help you relax, destress, proper muscle/nerve function, and keep your immune system healthy. The raspberry lemon flavor wasn't too bad. It tasted like cheap powdered lemonade, but good enough that I drank the entire glass without a fight. Im not sure if it worked or not, but I did sleep pretty well last night?

A Perfume Organic: Urban Organic Perfume

A sweet, delicious lemon sorbet day perfume, with bourbon, tangy lime peel, basil, lavender, grapefruit, and ginger. Ingredients are locally sourced, certified USDA organic & all fragrances are free of petrochemicals, solvents, dyes, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals.

Full Size: 12 ml roller ($65.00)

Size Received: 1 ml ($5.42)
This is such a complex fragrance! Just taking a simple wiff from the tester isn't enough. You need to let it settle on your skin and even then your senses are overloaded with such a complex mix. To me it is kind of awesome that you can still pinpoint each note. You smell the sweet lemon and lime at first, then halfway through you can smell the basil and ginger, and lastly just a hint of what I presume is the bourbon and lavender. It isn't a scent I normally would wear but I don't dislike it. But that price tag would never woo me over. 

Emtage Hair: SILKtage
A rejuvenating styling serum made with properieraty Organic Camellia, Organic Argan, Monoi oil - infused blend rich in vitamins, antioxidants, & essential fatty acids to beautify, nourish & protect all hair types. Absorbs quickly with no oily residue, creating silky smooth texture and shine.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($39.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($1.95)
I guess once you say you are willing to try hair oils the whole world hears. I'm excited specifically about this one as it is certified organic, vegan, and cruelty free. The company uses no synthetic fragrances or dyes, silicones, alcohol, parabens, petroleum, or preservatives. Plus the main ingredient is Camellia oil which is green tea. Green Tea Oil is great for a dry, sensitive scalp. I like that this oil is also marketed going beyond hair. It can be used to soften fine lines, moisturize even the driest skin, relax tense muscles, soften stretch marks, and it can be added to any cream/hair product for extra nourishment.

Miessence: Intensive Body Cream
Protect, nourish, and revitalize your skin with this rich blend of geranium, patchouli, organic shea butter, organic avocado, safflower oils, phospholipids, vitamins and antioxidants Restores & retains moisture, promoting elasticity and creating supple skin.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($36.90)
Size Received: 1.35 oz ($5.86)
Summer may still be here, but Im already thinking about Fall. Body creams are just what I want to stock pile. I've never heard of the Miessence brand but it looks like it is an all organic beauty brand based out of Australia, but it is kind of like Avon in that there are home reps for the company that sell the product. I found a good 20 different websites that sell the products. Side income, anyone? I personally am not the biggest fan of the body cream. When I think of body creams I think thick mousse like consistency. But this is very runny. The smell is a bit too intense for me. Maybe the geranium, but it smells like hippy and incense, my least favorite combination. The product itself isnt too bad, it is a little greasy, but not terrible and it does absorb nicely. I'll still use it, but most likely only on my legs during winter since I dont want that smell lingering near my hands/arms.

Total value of my July 2012 box:$41.24
Another great month. At first it wasn't one of my favorites, but now that I've gotten to try out all the products I am really loving this box! It may have a lot of skincare products, but they are all great additions to my routine!

What do you think of my July Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!

Julep Maven: July 2012 (American Beauty)

I tried and tried to resist Julep last month, but the allure of a free 4th of July themed glitter polish made it impossible to resist. Don't forget to use code MAVENINTRO or PENNY at checkout to get your first Julep Maven box for a PENNY!

Don't know what Julep Maven is?
Julep Maven is a nail polish subscription service that delivers Julep nail polishes and nail products to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 2-3 nail polishes in the hottest colors and an extra. The extra may be a hand lotion, cuticle oil, glycolic hand scrub, etc. The nail polishes are all made by Julep a boutique nail salon company in the Seattle area and the colors are never before released or cult favorites. Each month you will have the choice of 5 different kits that are made to reflect a specific fashion style (It Girl, Boho Glam, Classic with a Twist, etc). You will take a fashion quiz once you sign up to set your main fashion style, but you have the option to order whichever of the 5 boxes you like best. Julep Maven is $19.99 a month, but you are able to skip a month whenever you like!
Click here to join Julep Maven.

July 2012, American Beauty
It looks like Im really an American Beauty. It is the only profile that I have chosen twice. My original profile was It Girl, but generally Im not attracted to the polishes that come up in that collection. Plus, I love the extras and It Girl gets 3 polishes and no extras, so bummer. This month Julep introduced a new lip gloss! I was so excited to try it and the lip gloss color made picking my box harder. And they matched the lip gloss to a polish since it is very popular to be matching. I actually paid for this box so I had very high expectations. I almost didnt buy it, but I felt like I deserved to treat myself since I had just graduated, moved houses, and was getting ready to move across the country. You know how we always find a way to justify our subscriptions ;)

Information Card:

Products:

Julep Nail Vernis in Lynn

Nude blush pearl.

Julep took the words out of my mouth. This is a pearlescent nude. I love that it is a bit more pink/flesh toned than most nudes that I own. It would be great for any occasion and looks professional. It is a bit streaky, but nothing that a good base wouldn't fix. My major issue with this polish was that it started chipping within a few days. But Ill give it a second whirl since I'm currently out of both base and top coat. 

Julep Nail Vernis in Yumi

Pink opalescent multi-dimensional glitter.
Jeesh Sarah, getting lazy with the photos? I really didnt want to put glitter polish full on just to take it right off. I think you get the idea with just having the single digit painted. I absolutely adore Yumi. There is light pink small pieces of glitter that almost look purple in some light.This stuff lasted for days and it applied so smoothly and evenly! Yumi can be painted on thin (like the above photo) or just a few coats will get you a thick, gorgeous sparkle like the photo below.

Julep Nail Vernis in America the Beautiful

A shiny red with royal blue glitter and sterling silver stars, it's like nail art in a bottle!

The extra that sold me! I couldn't get enough of this polish. Although the 4th comes once a year, now Im prepared! Whenever I want to feel festive, I can pull out this beaut. The only problem I found was that it is very goopy! Like the rim of the bottle already is covered in thick goop just from painting my nails a few times. It would start to dry before Id even finish swiping it onto my finger. Id end up with mounds of polish trying to get an even layer with a few stars laid out. And it would chip off in massive chunks. I think all it needs is some Seche Restore and it will be better than ever. It was festive, just a little work.

Julep Lip Vernis in Peony

This ultra-creamy, long-wearing gloss has a mirror like finish and is the perfect color complement to your nails. 

Who doesn't have a massive lip gloss collection? I think I have more glosses than lipsticks. I don't really have too many nudes though. I did get a similar color in the promotional Glossybox, but I hated that formula. This stuff here is just fantastic! It isn't sticky and it lasts! It adds just a subtle sheen of color to the lips and a gorgeous shine. The lip vernis' retail for $18 each. Quite steep, but they are pretty fab. 

My American Beauty box had a value of  $60!! Another fantabulous month of value with Julep. But again still mediocre quality polishes. I still love the presentation they've recently unveiled and appreciate the added effort. I've saved all the little quote cards from the box and all the extras have been amazing. But I'm buying Julep for the polish, so I have to say I don't think I'll be getting another for a long while. Hopefully a little Seche Restore will better these polishes.

Don't forget that you can try out Julep Maven for just a penny! Plus, after the first month you can skip as often as you like! Click here to sign up. And don't forget to use promo code: PENNY or MAVENINTRO to get your first month for $0.01!

What do you think of July's American Beauty style profile? Did you like the lip vernis? Let me know in the comments below! 

Beauty Army: July 2012

This is my first Beauty Army kit since April! I've been using the skip option most months and so thankful for it. Money has been tight and the selection hasn't been too optimal, so hello skip.

Don't know what Beauty Army is? Beauty Army is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers a GORGEOUS kit of premium beauty samples to your door. So how is it different from any of the other services out there? Well you get to CHOOSE your samples. Each month based on your preferences (long, thoughtful style quiz that can be changed at any time) you will receive 9 products to choose from. From those you get to pick 6. The products this month ranged from beauty, skincare, hair, body, and more. Some of the products you can choose from are full-size items. Beauty Army costs $12 a month, and your kit will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Beauty Army.

July 2012
The Beauty Army product selection has not been that great the past couple months. I was pleasantly surprised that this month had some awesome products and brands I know of and some new ones to try out. I still had a problem with too many fragrances and old lady creams popping up. I find my best survey setting is to not select the fragrance category and say I'm 13-18. It's silly that the survey is so poorly tailored. I'd be more likely to get Beauty Army every month if I didn't have to fuss with the survey so much.


Information Card:

Products:
Cover FX: Clear Prep FX
A matte foundation primer and anti-acne treatment gel. Helps prevent and heal acne blemishes, minimizes fine lines and pores, plus provides an instant mattifying effect. 
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($39.00)
Size Received: 0.24 oz ($9.36)

I love primer! It is one of my favorite things to receive in these subscription services. I know Ill use it all and it helps make the products I already own even better. This primer was meant for my summer skin. It helps control oil, minimize pores and fine lines, and help control acne. It uses willowbark extract to exfoliate and reduce sebum, natural fruit aha to increase cell turnover (which also helps to unclog pores), and african bark extract to reduce pore size and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. This is a silicone style primer and has that smooth as ice gliding action. But what I did find out after the fact is that this primer contains hydrolyzed milk protein. None of their other primers have animal products so this caught me by surprise. 

Youngblood: Mineral Primer
Youngblood’s Mineral Primer is the perfect all-over primer for flawless make-up application and skin rejuvenation.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($41.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($6.97)
Well its a good thing I got two different primers. I already received a sample of this mineral primer and loved it. A vegan and cruelty-free primer, why not get a few? I was really hesitant about this primer the first time around since it uses pure essential oils and vitamins to hydrate skin. But it worked really well with my skin and again is a silicon feeling primer so it is silky smooth and a little goes a long way. It does have a bit of a weird smell, but once it is on your skin you can't smell it.

Juicy Jewel: Juicy Jewel Eau de Parfum

Juicy Jewel is a tantalizing array of scents and body products made of exotic fruits, flowers and nourishing oils.

Full Size: 1.0 oz ($55.00)

Size Received: 0.03 oz ($1.65)

Beauty Army only recently got perfume samples. The problem is if you say you are interested in trying out one, half of your samples to choose from will be perfume vials. Not cool. But when I saw the description for this perfume I had to get my grubby hands on it. The perfume is layered first of sparkling fruits: peach, pineapple, and blackcurrant. With a middle layer of jasmine and damask rose. And it dries down to musk and natural pheromones. It definitely is very sparkling up front. Almost immediately the rose and blackcurrant intermingle. What lingers is the jasmine, peach, and musk which makes a heavenly scent. I really like this one, but since every perfume I own is some variation of fruity floral I feel like I wouldnt buy the full size. I need to get some variation. 

Eyecandy: Eyecandy Coolers
Eyecandy coolers are reusable, chill-able, candy-colored soft gel rounds that work quickly to reduce puffiness, minimize dark circles and fine lines, relieve allergy symptoms, and instantly soothe pesky tension or stress headaches. Eyecandy coolers may be safely used over and over again. 
Full Size: 1 set of coolers ($12.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 set of coolers ($12.00)
I was sold on these before I even tried them. The description states every problem I have: allergies, tension, dark circles, etc. These are reusable gel circles that you stick in the fridge for a rainy day. Whenever you need them just pop em over your eyes and relax. In minutes you will feel the soothing effects. Im not sure how it works on dark circles or allergies, but I found them to be calming and relaxing. I felt less pressure on my eyes and was a little more alert. Obviously this is similar to putting cucumber rounds on your eyes, but this seems a bit more sanitary and reusable!

Besame Cosmetics: Crimson Cream Rouge

For instant rosy cheeks and lips there is nothing more timeless than our vintage inspired cream rouge.

Full Size: 0.26 oz ($22.00)

Size Received: 0.1 oz ($8.46)

When I heard that Besame is one of the makeup companies that is used on the set of Mad Men I had to pick one of the products. If I can get rosy cheeks and lips like Joan, um yes? Isn't Christina Hendricks perfection? I love that she is curvy and sexy. She not only appeals to men but also is the epitome of beauty for women! Okay back to makeup. I received a sample of their crimson cream rouge. The pictures on the Besame website make this rouge look more like a bright pink, but I think it looks more red. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this blends out. It melts so easily on your fingertips. I wore it a few days ago and loved how it looked. I felt a bit more done up and felt refreshed. Plus it lasted all day. I haven't used it on my lips yet, but from what I can tell it will be a perfect shade of pink-red. 

Macadamia Natural Oil: Healing Oil Treatment

For a quick touch-up or when hairs are too short to pluck, this unique grooming tool fine tunes your brows.

Full Size: 4.2 oz ($39.95)

Size Received: Full-size! 1 oz ($9.51)

I've always been scared of the word oil. My middle school years were plagued with terrible zits and oily skin and hair. If only I could find a picture of me from 6th grade. Although, I'd probably chicken out before I ever posted it. But that goes to say, don't give up on yourself! Your skin will even out eventually. It took my skin all the way through Senior year of high school to stop acting like a pre-teen. Anyways. I've finally stepped on the oil train. Natural oils do so many great things for your skin and hair. This oil treatment combines macadamia and argan oil to help out all hair types. It says it will help detangle and defrizz hair, smooth out and add shine, extend the life of color treatments, and reduce your hair drying time.Plus it is pH balanced and has a composition similar to our own oils making it highly absorbent and lightweight. And like all products I endorse, this company is cruelty-free!

Total Value of my July 2012 Kit: $47.95
Like always my Beauty Army kit is well worth my $15. I still don't plan on getting BA every month due to finances, but I do appreciate when BA steps up their game and gives us some amazing new products to try!

What do you think of the products I selected? Have you tried any of them? What did you select in your Beauty Army kit? Let me know in the comments below!
If you don't get Beauty Army, click here to join!

Birchbox: July 2012

It is barely relevant at this point, but I still want to post about this box since it was one of my favorites in awhile. Plus this was my 1 year anniversary! I got my first Birchbox last July on my birthday! My sister gave me a 6 month subscription and I am still loving it!

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

July 2012, Box #11
Birchbox and Glamour Magazine teamed up this month to test your senses. The box allows all of your senses to be take part in your beauty routine.When I think about it beauty is really a full sensory experience. From smelling perfumes to feeling smooth, silky creams all the way to hearing the spritz sound our finishing sprays make. It all bundles up to create the allure that is beauty. I love this theme to pieces. Whoever thought of it should get a raise. It is so original compared to most of the themes we've been getting.

Information Cards:

Products:

Color Club: Nail Lacquer in Blue-Ming
Use this green-turquoise polish on fingers and toes all summer long.
Full Size: 0.5 oz ($8.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($4.00)
I don't think I am the biggest fan of Color Club. Every polish I've gotten (all from Birchbox) fall flat somewhere. Either the color is a bit too chalky, it chips minutes after putting on, or it doesn't apply neatly. This nail polish from the Summer Pastel Collection falls short in all categories. The color to me looks like chalky toothpaste and almost sour looking on my skin. Plus it applies chunky and streaky. I was determined to give the polish a chance, but after it was on my nails for just a few hours I had to get it off because I was so embarrassed by how it applied. I swear my polish skills are better than a 5 year old.

Eyeko: Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Direct from London, these punch color liners feature a pen-style applicator that's truly goof-proof.
Full Size: 0.07 oz ($15.00)
Size Received: Full-size received! 0.07 oz ($15.00)
I have to admit I'm not the greatest at applying eyeliner. I see all my friends going out with hot cat eyes and I just sit and stare in admiration. A few months ago I was determined to learn, so I sat in front of the ol youtube and got to work. And I learned within a few videos! Granted I was doing most of my looks with wet eyeshadow. But then comes this skinny liquid eyeliner. Eyeko is a cruelty-free company from London that is known for their mascaras. It has a felt pen-style applicator that is somewhat stiff to help keep the tip in check. After using it for a few weeks I am in love. I can actually get a pretty flawless look without much effort. And I am starting to get adventerous and try simple cat eye looks. It is pretty long lasting, great for every day wear. Although it did rub off when I went to a comedy show and was crying laughing, but at least no raccoon eye, it just wiped away clean. I am sold and want to try every color and every product Eyeko sells. BB points to rescue!

Harvey Prince: Eau Flirt
The fragrance equivalent to a wink, this fanciful scent layers fresh citrus and jasmine notes over a base of lavender and pumpkin. 
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($98.00)
Size Received: 0.04 oz ($1.15)
A scent I've wanted to try forever and half! I love the idea that a perfume can do some flirting for me! Harvey Prince created Eau Flirt using scientific data on what scents make men crazy. And apparently men associate pumpkin and lavender with happy, stimulating memories. Those two base notes are paired with citrus, jasmine, freesia, and ylang ylang. I had a feeling I would like this perfume since many of my full-size daily wears contain many of the same notes that are in this perfume. And I was right! It is sweet and sparkling and fresh. You can kind of smell the pumpkin, but it just smells warm and inviting not like you are wearing a Yankee Candle. It is a great daytime perfume. I like it best once it has had time to settle. The floral top notes have time to mingle and calm down. But all of this aside, it doesn't last long. I wore it out with a male friend and he said he couldn't smell it at all, even when he tried to smell it directly. So if he can't smell it how is it gonna flirt for me? oh well.

Supergoop: City Sunscreen Serum
Wear this award-winning brand's silky SPF 30 serum under your makeup for a weightless UV shield.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($3.46)
There are so many serums out there to choose from, but so many just focus on a single problem. What if I want anti-aging and sun protection? Well Supergoop makes a SPF 30 sunscreen serum that combats aging and moisturizes. It contains Uniprotect PT-3 which apparently repairs already damaged skin and reduces UV-induced oxidation. I haven't tried the serum yet, but Im hopeful because I loved the Supergoop sunscreen towelettes. This stuff is just so darn pricey!

Tea Forté: minteas in Regroup Ginger Pear
Keep these refreshing, tea-infused mints on hand for quick pick-me ups.
Full Size: 1 metal pack ($2.99)
Size Received: Full-size received! 1 metal pack ($2.99)
Food? Yes please! Food that passes as a breath refresher, even better. These minteas are mints that are formulated with all organic teas and herbs. I received the Regroup Ginger Pear flavor. It has a small dose of caffeine and gingko to help your focus. I was very unsure about the flavor, I mean ginger pear mint? But it has a very delicious sweet taste. It all blends so well together that it kind of tastes like a sparkling bite with a mint edge. I can't piece out the ginger or pear. But I'm addicted already. I already love their teas and now I love their mints.

Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds
We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist.
Full Size: 1 pair of earbuds ($10.00)
Size Received: Full-size received! 1 pair of earbuds ($10.00)
Is it strange that I would have rather another mp3 download card? These earbuds may be cute, but the sound is not the greatest. It lacks in bass and is very shallow sounding. They are comfy for my teeny ears though! The earbuds are wrapped around a card that tells you about Glamour's custom made Spotify playlists. I downloaded a couple and have really enjoyed the music (Get Dressed To and Pretty Playlist). I just wish I could download the playlists to my ipod...

Total value of my July 2012 Birchbox:$36.60

This is one of my favorite boxes yet! And it was my 1 year anniversary, so what a great way to welcome a second year with BB! Birchbox may have disappointed me multiple times in the past months, but I know I've taken a risk by being a part of a subscription service that may have non-vegan items. This month Birchbox was able to stimulate all of my senses and help me overcome my fear of liquid eyeliners. Not a bad deal.

What do you think of my July Birchbox? How does it compare to yours? What senses had your favorite products? Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join!