Birchbox: January 2013

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:

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!

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!

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! 

Birchbox: December 2012

So many people have been unhappy with Birchbox recently, but I still get so excited when I see it sitting in my mailbox!

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.

December 2012, Box #1
Let the festivities begin! December was all about making you feel and look your best for the holiday season. Birchbox cutely decorated the box this month and included a gift tag and gift box that could be reused. I loved how things used to be wrapped up individually with tissue paper since it really was like opening 5 teeny adorable presents. They've since moved towards small card boxes, which means quicker processing and most likely lower production costs. If it means Birchbox gets to share with more people and keep the price at $10, I'm quite okay with the change!

Information Cards:

Products:

Fresh: Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum
Wine aficionados and perfume snobs alike love this pinot-infused fragrance, which pairs a rich grape core with bright notes of citrus.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($80.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($5.88)
My oh my, what a huge perfume sample!! I only know fresh because of the free Sephora lip tints on your birthday, I had no idea they were such scent connoisseurs. Citron de Vigne is a really complex scent. The 'pinot noir' core is compromised of bergamot, dark almond, musk, white sandalwood, and rose. It has a bubbly citrus top notes and deep earthy base to really make you feel like you are among the grape vines in France. This scent is light, fresh, and crisp without being too sweet. I generally have been wearing this as a daytime perfume, but it is so sophisticated. I'm tempted to buy the $20 rollerball!
Cruelty-free!

12 Benefits: Instant Healthy Hair Treatment
Top stylists love this protective leave-in mist, which tamps down frizz and restores the vibrancy of color-treated or damaged hair.
Full Size: 6.0 oz ($19.00)
Size Received: 1.5 oz ($4.75)
I have been using leave-in mists for years. With my thin, oily hair I can't use creams or gels or most mouses unless I want to shower ever 6 hours. These leave-in mists allow me to get the benefits without all the grease. My absolute favorite being Sebastian Potion 9 Lite, which protects and adds volume. They were recently bought by Proctor & Gamble, so their cruelty-free status is somewhat murky. 12 Benefits states clearly on the bottle that they don't test on animals and is 100% vegan. Sweet! This hair treatment smooths frizz, repairs damage and strengthens, prevents split ends, moisturizes and seals hair, prevents flat iron/blow dry damage, protects from chlorine, wind, and sun, detangles, and adds shine, softness, and a silky finish! All that in one bottle, one spritz, and no added weight to my hair!? This product is so reasonably priced too. I think I have a new favorite.
Cruelty-free!

Sampar: Ultra Hydrating Fluid
This gorgeous Parisian moisturizer helps skin retain hydration and prevents moisture evaporation while also protecting it from pollution. 
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($71.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($20.88)
Initially this product would not pump. I sat trying to get the pump to work for maybe 5 minutes? I gave up and tried again a few days later and still no go. I contacted Birchbox in hopes they'd have some leftover, but they didn't so they sent me 100 BB points. Strangely enough, a month and half later, it has started to pump! I could never see spending $35/oz on moisturizer. Ever. Although this hydrating fluid is stated to reduce water loss by 20% after only 2 days of application! It also helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, protect skin from the elements, and add back a youthful glow. I will admit this stuff is pretty great. It absorbs so quickly, leaves my skin feeling moisturized, and somehow is still non-oily. If you have the money, I'd go for it!
Cruelty-free!

theBalm: Hot Mama Shadow & Blush All-in-One
How cute is this peachy blush? The universally flattering pigment is laced with faint golden shimmer to add warmth to your complexion.
Full Size: 7.08 g ($20.00)
Size Received: 1 g ($2.83)
I have wanted to try this blush for quite some time. Many people think it is a good dupe of NARS Orgasm blush. They aren't much different in price, and NARS is a cruelty-free company, but it is still nice to try out dupes! This is a bright peach blush with loads of illuminating gold shimmer. The minute you sweep this on your look more awake and perky. I didn't think it would look good on me, but it really does flatter every skin shade. theBalm's blush products seriously are the best. Pigmented, illuminating, and last forever. I love this blush and it is now part of my daily routine!
Cruelty-free!

Emily's Chocolates: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Fortunes
Filled with festive messages, these treats have surpassed ginger snap cookies as our favorite holiday goodie.
Full Size: 6 cookies ($5.99)
Size Received: 1 cookie ($1.00)
I had high hopes that this would be vegan! I mean dark chocolate, but of course it wasn't. I forgot to take a photo before I gave it away. Woops. It made a cute addition to my sister's Christmas gift though!
(Product not vegan)

Extras

Rent The Runway: $50 off dress rental of $125

The idea of Rent The Runway is pretty cool. Rent a gorgeous, expensive dress for 4 (or 8) days, wear it to your event, and then ship it on back for a fraction of the cost. Rent The Runway also lets you rent a backup size dress for free too! I am always between sizes, so this is a must for me. The cost to rent is generally 10% of the full value of the dress, with many dress renting at $50-200. They do all the cleaning for you, so no extra costs for you. If I had a big time event to go to and wanted to look beyond glamorous, I would for sure use this service. No more combing through 100s of ugly, cheap dresses at The Rack, I'll be dripping in luxury wearing designer goods.

Total value of my December 2012 Birchbox:$35.34 + coupon

This was a box that I initially wasn't too excited about. But then got a chance to test everything out and figured out how great all the products are! I wish all perfume sample sizes were as big as the fresh sample! And what a great mixture of product types. A little make-up, hair, fashion, skin, scent. Its got it all covered!

What do you think of my December Birchbox? How does it compare to yours?  Let me know in the comments below!

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