My year subscription to Birchbox is about to end, it is a hard decision to try and decide to keep getting it or not.
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.
January 2013, Box #1
The new year isn't about changing who you are but making sure you refocus on things that keep falling to the bottom of your to-do list. Birchbox included in this month a poster showing 25 ways to make 2013 awesome. In the note from the team they ask how we are going to make this year the best. For me, my goals are to run a half marathon, study for really big test, and make sure I don't sweat the little stuff and enjoy life. How about you?
Information Cards:
theBalm: Put a Lid On It
Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.
Full Size: 0.4 oz ($18.00)
Size Received: 0.125 oz ($5.63)
This is a creamy, thick almost metallic beige-colored primer. TheBalm promises a formula that is smudge-free, long lasting, and keep your shadows vibrant. It absorbs oils to allow you to have a clean canvas when applying your shadow. After using it the first time I realized how little you need for each application, I think this sample may last me months! I decided to test it against my go to Sephora brand eye primer, wearing one primer on each eye. Both allowed for more vivid application, no smudging or creases, but theBalm's beat out my current eye primer ever so slightly in the wear category. This would be a great primer to buy next time I am out!
Cruelty-free!
Fresh: Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
With antioxidant-rich lotus flower extracts, this lush moisturizer protects skin from free radicals and hydrates for a full 24 hours.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($3.46)
This was considered an extra, so I won't diss the small sample size. We did receive two packets so that is a plus? I'm new to the Fresh brand, but I already am in love with it. A company that uses all natural ingredients from around the world. This moisturizer has been 'proven' to hydrate for 24 hours and is designed with a complex of ingredients that minimize and prevent signs of aging and boost radiance. I did like this cream as it absorbed quickly and was perfect for nighttime. It apparently didn't wow me, but it seems to have a pretty big following.
Cruelty-free!
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.
The new year isn't about changing who you are but making sure you refocus on things that keep falling to the bottom of your to-do list. Birchbox included in this month a poster showing 25 ways to make 2013 awesome. In the note from the team they ask how we are going to make this year the best. For me, my goals are to run a half marathon, study for really big test, and make sure I don't sweat the little stuff and enjoy life. How about you?
Products:
Ojon: Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum
Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment - exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($25.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($1.03)
More hair oil... This product is meant to tame frizz and flyaways, boost shine, and add softness. You can use it on damp hair as a heat-protectant or as a leave-in styling/hair treatment. Because of my thin, thin hair I do better with hair oil mists. Even a drop of oil is too much for my hair. But either way, I will not buy or use Ojon products as the company is owned by Estee Lauder and therefore is not cruelty-free.
Tested on animals!
Alessandro: Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon
Launching exclusively in the Birchbox shop, this extra opaque nail polish has a satiny formula and a wide brush for easy application.
Full Size: 0.34 oz ($12.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($6.00)
I've never heard of Alessandro. They are a German brand that are selling their line in America exclusively on Birchbox. Alessandro is considered a professional grade polish. They tout having a wide, easy application brush, fast drying, and incredible long durability. I received a mini bottle in blue lagoon, a cream navy blue color. It isn't particularly a color I wear often, but the color itself is really pretty. I'm not sure if it was because of the mini handle/brush size, but I had a hard time applying the polish without streaking it on the sides of my fingers. The polish did seem to dry quickly, but for me it started to peel/crack off the next day.
Cruelty-free!
Harvey Prince: Skinny Chic Perfume
Get a glass-half-full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($2.26)
Another Harvey Prince perfume? This is my fourth Harvey Prince from Birchbox. That seems a little excessive. For me, these fragrances just don't have any staying power. I can smell them for a few hours just ever so slightly. Skinny Chic is a fragrance that is formulated to keep you energized and conquer cravings.This scent is dominated by mint, green apple, lotus blossom, grapefruit, and a creamy depth made up of warm amber, bergamont, and white cedarwood. To me it smells like a plumeria scent with a little kick. Of all the Harvey Prince fragrances, this may be my favorite. I wouldn't buy it myself, but it is a perfect daytime fragrances for those who want something fresh and light.
Cruelty-free!
Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment - exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($25.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($1.03)
More hair oil... This product is meant to tame frizz and flyaways, boost shine, and add softness. You can use it on damp hair as a heat-protectant or as a leave-in styling/hair treatment. Because of my thin, thin hair I do better with hair oil mists. Even a drop of oil is too much for my hair. But either way, I will not buy or use Ojon products as the company is owned by Estee Lauder and therefore is not cruelty-free.
Tested on animals!
Launching exclusively in the Birchbox shop, this extra opaque nail polish has a satiny formula and a wide brush for easy application.
Full Size: 0.34 oz ($12.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($6.00)
I've never heard of Alessandro. They are a German brand that are selling their line in America exclusively on Birchbox. Alessandro is considered a professional grade polish. They tout having a wide, easy application brush, fast drying, and incredible long durability. I received a mini bottle in blue lagoon, a cream navy blue color. It isn't particularly a color I wear often, but the color itself is really pretty. I'm not sure if it was because of the mini handle/brush size, but I had a hard time applying the polish without streaking it on the sides of my fingers. The polish did seem to dry quickly, but for me it started to peel/crack off the next day.
Cruelty-free!
Get a glass-half-full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($2.26)
Another Harvey Prince perfume? This is my fourth Harvey Prince from Birchbox. That seems a little excessive. For me, these fragrances just don't have any staying power. I can smell them for a few hours just ever so slightly. Skinny Chic is a fragrance that is formulated to keep you energized and conquer cravings.This scent is dominated by mint, green apple, lotus blossom, grapefruit, and a creamy depth made up of warm amber, bergamont, and white cedarwood. To me it smells like a plumeria scent with a little kick. Of all the Harvey Prince fragrances, this may be my favorite. I wouldn't buy it myself, but it is a perfect daytime fragrances for those who want something fresh and light.
Cruelty-free!
Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.
Full Size: 0.4 oz ($18.00)
Size Received: 0.125 oz ($5.63)
This is a creamy, thick almost metallic beige-colored primer. TheBalm promises a formula that is smudge-free, long lasting, and keep your shadows vibrant. It absorbs oils to allow you to have a clean canvas when applying your shadow. After using it the first time I realized how little you need for each application, I think this sample may last me months! I decided to test it against my go to Sephora brand eye primer, wearing one primer on each eye. Both allowed for more vivid application, no smudging or creases, but theBalm's beat out my current eye primer ever so slightly in the wear category. This would be a great primer to buy next time I am out!
Cruelty-free!
Fresh: Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
With antioxidant-rich lotus flower extracts, this lush moisturizer protects skin from free radicals and hydrates for a full 24 hours.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($3.46)
This was considered an extra, so I won't diss the small sample size. We did receive two packets so that is a plus? I'm new to the Fresh brand, but I already am in love with it. A company that uses all natural ingredients from around the world. This moisturizer has been 'proven' to hydrate for 24 hours and is designed with a complex of ingredients that minimize and prevent signs of aging and boost radiance. I did like this cream as it absorbed quickly and was perfect for nighttime. It apparently didn't wow me, but it seems to have a pretty big following.
Cruelty-free!
Total value of my January 2013 Birchbox:$18.38
Not my favorite box. It is kind of frustrating that 4 out of 5 brands are repeats. Sometimes I love getting the same company, but when I clearly reviewed a product poorly or stated I do not want to see anything from this brand again it sucks to see that brand show up multiple times. I'm happy about the repeat of thebalm, but Im tired of Harvey Prince and I don't want Ojon products!
What do you think of my January Birchbox? How does it compare to yours? How are you going to make 2013 awesome? Let me know in the comments below!
If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join!
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