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: May 2012 (Gossip Girl) Box 2 of 2

This month we learned a new trick to 'cheat' and figure out what was inside of our boxes. Even though the website wasn't live for the May boxes, the give feedback button was. So if you looked at a product page and it had a give feedback option that was in your box. Sadly, I learned before I even got my box that Iwas going to be disappointed.

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.

May 2012, Gossip Girl Box #9
As you all know the May boxes were curated by the beauty/hair team behind the CW's hit show Gossip Girl. The boxes were even shipped out early this month so that everyone will have their boxes in time for the season finale Monday, May 14th. Unfortunately my second box was sent out a few days after the other box and I didn't get it until after I left for vacation. But it was waiting patiently for me when I got home. This box had a sub-theme of Hampton's Beach Party. The box had products to help a city girl look natural and chic at the beach. I did watch the season finale of Gossip Girl, but I forgot to enter the trivia contest and I can't find it on the Birchbox facebook tabs, so oh well.

Information Cards:

Products:
Ojun: damage reverse Restorative Conditioner
Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment -- exotic ojun and monoi oils work together to smooth and hydrate.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($25.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($2.94)
Another Ojun product? I learned that Ojun was bought by Estee Lauder and therefore are no longer cruelty-free. Their products are tested on animals as required by law (aka China). So these products, even if not necessary for our market are tested on animals for the Chinese market. Not cool. Plus, this is a creamy, thick conditioner! I have very thin, oily hair wtf? I was so angry that I received a product that was not for my hair type. I decided to take a look at what my profile was set to and somehow it was set to dry!! Dry is right above fine, so I don't get how that happened.  But it does explain a lot.

Color Club: Nail Lacquer in Clambake Coral
Just in time for summer, this warm shade will set off your newly (self-) tanned skin.
Full Size: 0.5 oz ($8.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($4.00)
This color is from the Summer Pastels collection. The color I received may be called coral but to me it looks very pink. Yeah it may be a bit of an orangey pink but it is not so soft. Although I will say it looks more coral when on my nails. It's a little brighter than what I would consider pastel, but I do really like this color. At first, I wasn't so sure, but once on my nails I loved how it looked with my skin color. It is my favorite thing in my box! My only complaint is that with any Color Club nail polish I end up with uneven coats. But unless you look closely you can't tell.

BVLGARI: Omnia Crystalline EDT
Inspired by luminescent crystals (so glam), this fresh scent combines notes of lotus flowers, bamboo, and Nashi pear.
Full Size: 1.33 oz ($64.00)
Size Received: 0.05 oz ($2.40)
Omnia Crystalline was inspired by the luminesce of crystal. I'm not sure what a crystal would smell like, but apparently it is an exotic fruit and woodsy. It has notes of asian nashi pear, lotus flower, bamboo and balsa wood. The first fragrance I got in my first Gossip Girl Birchbox was manly and overly woodsy, this scent is the exact opposite. It is sensual, flirty, and feminine. The exotic fruits are just what I like. It smells rich and elegant and dries down to a soft, sweet woodsy smell. It isn't overpowering, but I feel like I could show up to a job interview and command the room or dress up in a slinky dress on a hot date. If it wasn't so expensive I'd be more inclined to rebuy. But this is one of the few products that I felt was Gossip Girl worthy.

Kiehl's: Abyssine Cream +
A longtime bestseller, this anti-aging moisturizer uses microscopic Abyssine molecules to soften wrinkles and protect skin from free radical damage.
Full Size: 1.69 oz ($48.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($7.10)
I had to check again to make sure that my profile does not indicate that Im interested in anti-aging products and it doesnt. Instead it says my face is oily and I'm interested in natural products. How does this fit either requirements. Kiehl's is a THICK moisturizer that has all sorts of pore clogging ingredients. It may work to soften wrinkles but I don't want to put this on my face. Plus, Kiehl's is owned by L'Oreal and therefore is not cruelty-free. I will not be using this and hope I can trade it for something I want to use.

Birchbox: xoxo notecard
Text messages are no match for handwritten notes on fun, modern stationary.
Full Size: 12 notecards ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 notecard ($0.83)
I still weirdly love this extra! I'm trying to trade so that I have more of them. I know some people think they are like the paper coasters or the tiebands, but I actually think it is awesome! I'll be writing my graduation thank you letters this week and am so excited to send these lovely cards on their way.

Total value of my May 2012 box #9:$17.27

I wasn't happy with my first box and I'm not happy with this box. I did edit my profile back to fine/oily, but it sucks that I wasted a month. The lesson to be learn is to not buy into hype. And that I need to scale back on subscription services. I still love Birchbox and just gifted it to a good friend for her birthday, I just wish the months were more consistent. Hopefully next month it will be back on top. 

What do you think of my second May Birchbox? Would you have liked this box? How does my box compare to yours? Let me know in the comments below!

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

Birchbox: May 2012 (Gossip Girl) Box 1 of 2

As soon as I drop a few subscriptions, Birchbox tells me that the May box is going to be sponsored by Gossip Girl!? I have not only seen every single episode, but dream of stealing Blair's wardrobe, and slapping some sense into the ever so annoying and whiny Serena. After much hesitation, I re-activated my second account. I have yet to receive either shipping notifications, but one of the boxes was at my doorsteps on Monday! I probably won't get the second box until after I get back from vacation (I leave Wednesday).


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.

May 2012, Gossip Girl Box #5
This month all of the boxes are curated by the beauty/hair team behind the CW's hit show Gossip Girl. The boxes were even shipped out early this month so that everyone will have their boxes in time for the season finale Monday, May 14th. Within the Gossip Girl theme, there are sub-themes for each box (Sunday Brunch, Weekend in the Hamptons, etc). This box included all the items I'd need to get ready for a Black Tie Ball. Almost every episode the lovely ladies are glammed up in the most gorgeous fashions ready to go to some gala. The information card said that I'll be able to get a million dollar look with the products. Plus, Birchbox is sponsoring a Gossip Girl trivia sweepstakes! Jst answer the trivia questions in the information card while watching the season finale and you'll be entered to win a $500 Birchbox shopping spree. I'll of course be entering!

Information Cards:

Products:
Miracle Skin Transformer: Body SPF 20 in Glow
Don't settle for anything but flawless skin -- all over your body. This tinted treatment erases blemishes and scars on arms, legs, and décoletté.
Full Size: 3.38 oz ($34.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($5.00)
I've always wanted to try the Miracle Skin Transformer for face ever since I saw it in someone else's birchbox last year. The Miracle Skin Transformer is a tinted moisturizer that hydrates skin, brightens and tones skin, and protects with SPF. It is suposed to be able to cover up any blemishes, make skin look more radiant, and smooth. I was surprised by how dark and thick the treatment was, it felt like a heavy concealer. Just trying to take a swatch photo I ended up getting it on my pants and in my hair. It was extremely shimmery! And not finely milled soft shimmer, but GLITTER bomb teen style. Plus, it did not do what it said, my skin is covered in glitter but you can still clearly see the fading scratch on my hand. I also tried it on a blemish and on some sun spots without any success.

stila: Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Starry
Pearly shimmer meets intense pigment in this lasting liner. Better yet, the pen-like wand makes wiggle-free application a breeze.
Full Size: 0.05 oz ($22.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.05 oz ($22.00)
I don't understand how to use liquid eye liner or why anybody would use it every day. I understand it makes for a more dramatic look but my eyes are already bigger than my head. Why go through all the trouble of attempting a straight line when I can get precise, soft lovely lines from a pencil/crayon. This is a deep brown that has glitter in it. The box says it may contain carmine (crushed beetle), but carmine is normally only used with red colors, so I emailed stila to confirm if this shade does actually contain it. I did swatch it on my arm to show you the color. It has a sponge tip applicator that makes it easier to apply, but I still could barely get a straight line on my arm. The color is very warm and would go well with my eyes. I don't feel like the application was very even, you can see in the swatch it was patchy. From far away you can't tell, but I bet it'd be amplified with my horrific lining skills.

Ojon: Volume Advance Volumizing Shampoo
Made with ultra nourishing Central American ojon oil, this weightless shampoo helps hair look and feel thicker.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($22.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($2.59)
A shampoo made for my hair! The shampoo is formulated for fine, limp, flat hair. It works to remove oils and residues that weigh hair down and bring life back to hair with some volume. Coconut oil tames, defrizzes, and coat hairs with moisture, ojon oil moisturizes and makes hair shiny, and finaly Peruvian amaranth extracts remove oil/buildup and somehow makes hair appear thicker and fuller. Most shampoos are meant for normal hair and coat my hair too thick and don't remove enough residue. I often end up with a dry, itchy scalp and limp, greasy strands. But a shampoo formulated to hydrate my hair and scalp without leaving buildup...sadly Ojon was bought by Estee Lauder who conducts animal testing so I wont be using this product (you can read about that dilemma here).

Arquiste: L'Etrog Cologne
Warm notes of citron, palm leaves, and myrtle combine in this transporting scent, inspired by the aroms of a medieval harvest festival in Calabria, Italy. 
Full Size: 1.9 oz ($165.00)
Size Received: 0.038 oz ($3.30)
This is part of a unisex fragrance line by Arquiste inspired by history. L'Etrog is inspired by October of 1175 in Calabria, Italy. I think its a novel idea being inspired by history. I always wonder what it'd be like to go back and time (especially late 1800s, prohibition, Susie Homemaker 1950s). The cologne is based off of the festival of Sukkot (jewish celebration of the seventh month). Many of the prayer rituals involve the etrog, which is a yellow citron fruit. This cologne has main notes of citron (aka etrog), myrtle, date fruit, and vetiver. I'm not familiar with any of the notes in the scent so it's hard to describe. I guess velvety, woodsy citrus, and manly? I think the main issue I have with this fragrance is I have a very keen memory of smell. This scent reminds me too much of my uncle. Why would I want to smell like him? No thank you. Pass.

Birchbox: xoxo notecard
Text messages are no match for handwritten notes on fun, modern stationary.
Full Size: 12 notecards ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 notecard ($0.83)
Some people aren't too happy with this extra, but I don't mind! It's my favorite item in my box! I'll have a lot of thank you cards to write after graduation and this one is so cute! I love the gold/green color paired with the bright pink envelope and the xoxo on the front is too perfect! I also love that you can buy them on the Birchbox website! It would have been nice to get a few notecards, but I'm expecting I'll be getting another notecard in my second box.

Total value of my May 2012 box #5:$33.72

What a bust. I want to rub my arms in pure alcohol to get the smell of the fragrance off of me, the shampoo is tested on animals, the stila may have crushed beetles and has an uneven application, and the Miracle Skin Transformer did nothing for my skin! I'd have been better off just buying the notecard set online... I was somewhat excited about my box at first, but after taking the time to try them out and research the companies it is a major bust. The idea of teaming up with Gossip Girl was an amazing one, but to me the products weren't any different from any other month/theme. Hopefully the second box I receive is better...

What do you think of my May Birchbox? Do you think it lived up to the hype? How does my box compare to yours? Let me know in the comments below!

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