Goodebox: March 2012

Vegan and beauty don't always play nicely. Many well known brands use animal byproducts or unethical testing methods to produce their products. I find it pretty easy to spot non-vegan ingredients when shopping for groceries, but beauty is a different story. All those long, chemical names sound alike. One type of glyercin or wax may be vegan another may not. If the company does not clearly state they are cruelty-free and are free of animal products I don't feel right buying. These subscription boxes are great, but every so often I do get a product I can't use. Well not anymore. Goodebox is here to rescue me and all my eco and animal conscious beauty lovers.

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.

March 2012, First Box!
The first month of Goodebox has arrived! I was a bit hesitant signing up for another beauty box, especially since it is a bit more expensive than the others. But, I could not resist because of Goodebox's mission to only provide products that do not hurt anyone. I was really impressed by the Goodebox survey that I took once I finally slapped down the plastic. It let me choose color options as detailed as 'what lip color do I like' and it had an option that clearly let me pick a vegan preference. Also, instead of being sent a long laundry list of product info and ingredients they email you a week after they ship with all product information, ingredients, instructions, tips, and coupons! Every month you will be eligible for a 20% discount at the brand's store for the full-size (25% if you fill out Goodebox surveys)! What I liked is that the promo codes are valid for a few months, I'll have time to decide if I love the product and want to buy the full-size. Plus, some of the promo codes are site wide coupons!

I'd say their website is still a work in progress, there is no login page to allow you to see your account details or allow you to easily update preferences, but that is on the way in the next few months. They said that if anything changes you can easily resubmit a form. So far I have found the company to have really great customer service by email, although their facebook page is a little slow moving. Hopefully the more people find out about this awesome box, the better it will get!

 The products came taped to the information card. It looked nice opening the container and finding such a nice display. But I found some of the tape would not come off and ripped the print off the info card.

Information Card:

Products:
Alima Pure: Luminous Shimmer Blush in Freja
You know that rosy, 'just in from being outside' look? Now you can fake it naturally. Pure, luscious and richly pigmented. Alima's Luminous Shimmer Blush goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a natural glow.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Freja is sweet mauve color with glints of shimmer in it. It is a really pretty color and goes very well with my skin tone. It is almost the exact same color as my natural blush. I've never used a mineral blush, but I looked up online and it says to use a very soft brush with little product on the brush and sweep across as normal. It is better to build up then have too much product on. In the swatch,] I caked it on so you could see the color, but on my face it is very nice and sheer. And the shimmer, although more coarse than I'd like, does not look bad at all. The weird thing is the color of my Freja looks nothing like the website image; it looks more like Plush or Demeter...

Alima Pure: Bronzer in Belize
Ah, the soft, natural glow that comes from a good vacation. At least, that's the effect of Alima's Bronzer will have on your complexion. Enhance your lovely glow, even in the dead of winter, with a touch of Bronzer.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Oh mineral bronzer, I seem to attract the stuff like crazy. The info card said I was receiving a face shimmer powder, but it looks like the bronzer is a different product... Although, I do really like this color. It is a light/medium clay brown that has shimmer. I like that the color is less orange and more tan so it matches my skin tone a lot better than some of the other bronzers I have tried. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the shimmer, but once on your cheeks you can't notice it at all. It is a pretty shade and will look great for a natural, summer look. It has become one of my favorite bronzers and Im thinking about buying the full-size!
In general, I'm really excited about the brand. Cruelty-free, all vegan (except lip balms have beeswax), and they even have a jar recycling program (return 5 full-size jars for them to recycle, although they cant reuse them, and get you get a $11 credit!). I already bought the full-size of the bronzer using my 25% discount!

Clairvoyant Beauty: Depuffing Cucumber & Cranberry Eye Gel
Instant rescue relief for puffy eyes is in sight! An effective combination of Cucumber and Cranberry Seed Oil soothes and calms irritated eyes while reducing water retention.
Full Size: 0.5oz ($32.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.5oz ($32.00)
This gel uses cucumbers to heal and refresh tired eyes and reduce fluid build-up, while cranberry seed oil is full of antioxidants and fights signs of anti-aging naturally! They are blended into an aloe vera gel for a calming and gentle, tightening effect. The instructions say to just pat a small amount onto clean skin around the eye, but not to rub, pull, or tug. I would have probably rubbed it in. On their website it says it is certified vegan and biodegradable. There were some amazing reviews for the product, people saying that you'd see it working on puffiness in minutes and you could actually feel it tightening. I'm really excited about this product. I put it on tonight and felt it cool and sooth right away. Then just like the review I could feel it tightening! I was a bit worried it was burning, but my skin isn't raw or red instead it's actually less sensitive than normal.

Clairvoyant Beauty: Balancing Rosehip Oil & Hibiscus Facial Serum
Balancing, deep hydration for all skin types, even sensitive. Rich in essential fatty acids, B Vitamins plus C, and DMAE & MSM, this anti-aging formula is naturally astringent and highly antioxidant. 
Full Size: 1oz ($69.00)
Size Received: 0.25oz ($17.25)
This serum focusing on balancing and hydrating skin. Rosehip oil is full of all sorts of fatty acids and vitamins and Hibiscus is a natural astringent and has antioxidant properties. I'm assuming by balance they mean skin tone will look even and hydrated. Im learning that even though my skin is oily it needs to be hydrated so I may try this out. If it doesn't work for me I think my mom would love it.

Stark Skincare: Grapefruit Cleanse + Hydrating Balm
This water-less balm is both cleanser and hydrator! Melt away daily grime and dirt, replenishing your skin with healthy, antioxidant-rich plant-derived oils and butters! Does double duty as a moisturizer, fly away tamer, and after-shave.
Full Size: 2oz ($35.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($8.75)
I looked up Stark and it looks like the products I received are from their debut collection. They have a massive banner that shows they are an all vegan and cruelty-free company! The products are all molded around the fact that our city environments are harsher and more polluted but we keep putting harsh ingredients on and into our bodies. So instead they use plant-derived oils/butters, clay, and extracts to effectively and gently solve our city skin stresses. The Grapefruit balm is an interesting concept that is modeled after the oil cleansing method. All the chemicals in the cleansers we use actually dry out our skin and make it produce more oil, so instead the use of oils w ill remove dirt and makeup without leaving it dry. This has grapefruit extract to cleanse, shea butter to protect skin with natural SPF, coconut oil that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, soybean butter that stimulates collagen production, and green tea seed oil that is soothing. You just massage in, let sit for a few, and wipe away with a moistened wash cloth (or can use dry cloth). And afterwards you should tone your skin and moisturize. So you can just reapply the GF as your moisturizer!  The website warns not to use your fingers directly into the pot as your hands have moisture and water and oil don't mix! Really happy about this one! It got rid of all my makeup (well I didnt use it on my eyes) and impurities and left my skin silky soft. I'm not sure I'd use it as a facial moisturizer just because it feels a little too heavy on my skin.

Stark Skincare: Green Tea Detox Clay Mask
Purify, detox, and brighten skin with this clay, green tea and fruit extract mask. Mixed with your liquid of choice, use it as a spot treatment or weekly for soft, supple skin.
Full Size: 2oz ($25.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($6.25)
I  have the sizes received as an approximation because they were not listed, but the Stark representative on their in-site chat let me know the two products were approx around .25-.5oz. This green tea clay powder is another cool idea. You just need to add a few drops of liquid, they mention water, green tea, pure fruit juice to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder. Apply an even layer and wash with warm water once it completely dries. Green tea helps repair damage from the sun and air, plus it has two types of clay that help tone skin and imrpove skin clarity. It also has apple and lime extracts that exfoliate away dead skin, improve elasticity, and leave skin refreshed. I love how it has so many roles and makes my regime a little simpler. I tried the mask yesterday, it dried realllly quickly. Like I had to rush to get it on my face because it was drying. It made my skin very tight while it was drying, but once I washed it off my skin felt smooth and refreshed. I may do this once a week and see if my skin tone improves.

Josie Maran: Bear Naked Wipes
Convenient cleansing with a blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamin E. Free of fragrance, parabens, and petrochemicals, these luxurious biodegradable wipes are kind to tender skin, leaving it feeling nourished and refreshed!
Full Size: Travel Size - 8 Wipes ($6.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 8 wipes ($6.00)
It must be the month of makeup remover wipes. I don't mind these because they are my absolute favorite! While the LA Fresh wipes that I received were natural and vegan, they were like dry oil and not at all refreshing. But, I have used the Bear Naked Wipes for years and years and love them. They are moist, cool the the touch, and do an absolute amazing job removing make-up. I'll be going home for a week and half in May, so I'll be sure to bring all my makeup wipes!

Total Value of my March 2012 Goodebox: $73.25
I am beyond impressed with my first box. Quick delivery, awesome customer service, all vegan and eco products, plus I received such a range of products. I love that I have new makeup to try out since I have so many skincare products from my boxes. But the skincare products I did receive are innovative and really exciting! I am definitely staying on board and really look forward to future months.


What did you think of my Goodebox? How does it compare to yours? Did you receive any different products than me? Let me know in the comments below!
If you don't get Goodebox, click here to join!

Shoedazzle: Toccoa

A rough, long day at work means I have little to no interest in doing the mounting schoolwork that is in front of me. I have been staring at my word document for a good hour now. Time to give up and call it a day. Instead I'll do something I enjoy for a change...Sharing my joys with you, of course!

Last month I picked up Shoedazzle's Toccoa. I was absolutely smitten after seeing the promo email I received that I bought it seconds later while still in bed. Yup, smitten. As much as I love bright and fun purses, I love simple, clean line purses even more. It makes life a little easier not having to worry about your purse not matching.

Toccoa is a beige faux ostrich-leather satchel that has contrasting black straps, trim, and bottom. What initially attracted me to the purse was the contrasting black and soft white and the fact that it would fit my laptop comfortably. I love it even more now that I have it! The straps are so well enforced that I feel I can carry around boulders. And it doesn't hurt my shoulder to carry lots of weight. Plus, I didn't realize it had feet on the bottom which I really appreciate. The bag does not look cheap at all. It does not scream faux, instead it screams luxury! I have gotten so many compliments on this purse and so many of my friends ask where I got it. A few people have asked me what designer it was, assuming it was a high brand name. Nope, I only spent $40 to get this look.

The only negative that I can find about this purse is that the zipper to the interior doesn't extend all the way to the ends, it stops short say about an inch on either side, so if it is raining Im alway worried that the rain will get in my purse and on my belongings. For such a cheap price, I'm okay with that.

Strangely enough, this morning on my way to work I saw someone with this same bag! I was about to compliment them on their Shoedazzle purchase when I realized that they must have the real version. It had the Hermes style flaps in the front in black with a lock detail. But the color, the straps, and even the buckles on the side were all the same. I wonder how much she paid to get the same look...

dolman shirt: Old Navy

jean leggings: Gap

shoes: Shoedazzle

zip bangle: Jewelmint

Don't know what Shoedazzle is? Shoedazzle is a monthly shoe club. They also sell purses and jewelry. Everything is just $39.95. As of 3/29 Shoedazzle no longer charges you every month. No need to remember to skip the month, just pay when you purchase! Before the new month's shoes come out, Shoedazzle will ask you what you are looking for (sky-high heels, boots, open-toe, casual, fancy, etc). On the 1st of the month you can visit your showroom and see what they've prepared for you. If you don't like anything you can request a new selection or browse your friends showroom. What's even more exciting is that every 10 items you buy, you get a free credit to purchase whatever you want!
Interested in signing up? Click here to take your style quiz and view your showroom!

Sindulge: March 2012

At the end of February I found out about another subscription service, this one is different from the others because each month you have a live consultation with a beauty expert to talk about exactly what your beauty concerns are and what you would like. They had a deal where your first month was a penny so I jumped on board. The promo is still active so you too can try Sindulge for a penny by using promo code JKFF.

Don't know what Sindulge is?
Sindulge is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers a cute box of beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive samples based on a personal consultation with one of their team beauty experts. The consultation's are 15 minutes long and can be done via video or text chat. Let the expert know what your concerns are and what new products you want to try. You can even ask the experts questions or ask for tips. The experts will do their best to fulfill your needs. Plus, there is a beauty profile on file to help the experts out. Sindulge costs $12 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Sindulge.

March 2012, First Box!
I had my beauty consultation on 2/29 with Ami. It was a little confusing trying to figure out where I go on the website for the consultation, but since then they have made it more clear. I had a giant list of concerns that I wanted to chat about, so I wrote them down like a nerd so that I wouldn't forget anything. I let Ami know that I have very sensitive skin and some very red spots that nothing seems to work on. She said that she would include a good moisturizer/primer that will help reduce the redness and then maybe think about cosmetics to help even out my complexion. I also let her know that nothing I do ever gets my pores on my nose clean. She said she would include a product that does just that.

Although I had a smooth chat, I know many others did not. Some people's consultation got cancelled without reason, others had to reschedule and never got responses back, and others had no time to do the consultation so just emailed back and forth with their expert. I personally don't mind the consultations because in the future months I'll be able to let them know what products worked or not. And even though Im all about redness this month, maybe next month I want to try new mascaras. I love the idea of the personalization.

We were told that the boxes would ship out 10 days after our consultation, but alas that is not what happened. They kept getting delayed further and further without any notice. I wasn't worried, I figure it is their first month and it takes some time to get a groove going. But because so many people were upset, all current subscribers will receive April's box for free! That is so good customer service! Own up to mistakes made and I will stay by your side. So let's see how Ami did!

I love how the 'boxes' are so unique! They fold flat if you think you want to re-use it later. Plus, they aren't so thick that I will feel guilty tossing this in the recycling.

Information Card:

Before I begin my product review I had to say Im disappointed that they don't have a card letting you know what products they picked or why they picked them. And what is even more weird is that none of my products are available to buy on their website. Granted, it seems like their search and their shop is an absolute mess. I searched for the brand "Ferro" and got 4 pages of nail polishes and eyeshadows... The website in general is really messy, confusing, and not intuitive. For product descriptions, I will be using what is on the company's website.

Products:

LA Fresh: Waterproof Makeup Remover
Bye-bye waterproof color and all those other greasy makeup removers. Hello sparkling clean eyes & lips in an instant.
Full size: 24 count ($9.99)
Size Received: Full-size! 24 count($9.99)
Sweet!! I don't mind having these around. And since I received a full-size product I don't feel guilty using them at home. The company seems pretty awesome and they are stamped cruelty-free and all natural ingredients. The website states that the wipes are alcohol free, non-greasy, and will clean off even the most resistant makeup. I decided to try one tonight. At first I though they had dried out, but I could feel that there was oils on the cloth. I tried it out and sure enough my face is a clean slate. I do think they are a bit greasy, but that is because the only ingredients are a blend of 6 natural oils (olive, jojoba, sesame, grape seed, vitamin E, and lavender oil). Although my skin feels a little greasy, I dont think it will cause my skin to breakout. It is perfect hydration for overnight.

Youngblood: Mineral Primer
Infused with pure essential oils and vitamins to protect and hydrate skin. Use after cleansing to lock in moisture and after makeup application to set foundation.
Full size: 4oz ($41.00)
Size Received: .17oz($1.74)
So Ami had mentioned a primer, so here we go. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with evening skin tone though. But it is from a vegan and cruelty-free company, so I'll gladly take a sample. Im not sure how I feel about the primer being filled with oils. My skin is so sensitive that it may cause me to breakout. I tested it out on my hand and it is gel like and rubs on very soft, almost like a silicon-based primer (you know what I mean if you've tried them). My hands sort of felt a little oily afterwards, but who knows. I do have dry spots even though it is so humid where I live so maybe this would work to keep my moisturizer locked in all day long. We shall see.

Pixi: Endless Silky Eye Pen in No. 1 Black Noir
Long wearing, non-transfer, and waterproof eye pen gives the intense effect of a liquid liner but is much easier to apply.
Full size: .04oz ($14.00)
Size Received: .03oz($10.50)
Another clearly labeled cruelty-free company! I'm liking this trend. I had talked with Ami about never using liquid liner and being scared to even try it. But we had talked about brown to complement my fair skin. Alas, I got half of what I was told. I was a bit confused that the product is called a pen when it is clearly a soft pencil. But it sure is silky and glides on easily. It is intensely pigmented, although Im not sure it is quite equal to liquid liner. But application was easy, smooth, and solid. Only time will tell if it is smudge proof and waterproof as advertised.
eta: Used it today and it lasted all day! I watched a tearjerking Desperate Housewives episode and although  it did smudge a bit, you could barely tell.

Youngblood: Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder in Translucent
Whether skin's under the HD spotlight or regular daylight, help it look flawlessly airbrushed and naturally radiant with this sheer finishing powder!
Full size: .35oz ($40.00)
Size Received: .02oz ($2.29)
I've been curious about Hi-Def finishing powders for a few months. Lately, even with my MAC Fix + Finishing Spray my make-up looks a little cakey or just blah. Hi-Def powders are meant to set your makeup, diffuse imperfections, and mattify. What I also found out while researching the product is that it has both licorice root and menthol that will help calm and conceal redness! Ami sure is listening!! I love it! Although I love my MAC Fix+, the humidity means my skin is back to shine crazy in a few hours. This hopefully will keep my makeup matte and looking flawless! Im glad they sent me the translucent color (they also have a warm glow) I want a finishing powder that does not interfere with my just finished makeup. And from a teeny swatch on my hand over the eyeliner it does not interfere with the color at all. I'm really excited about this!
eta: I used this product today. It was a crazy, humid day, but not once did I have to blot my face for shine. Even though I felt like my face was going to melt off, it stayed put, and was shine free! I think we have a winner!

Verabella: Bella Rosa Calming Skin Crème
This Calming Skin Crème will calms irritated skin, reduce redness and restore elasticity to create a youthful, radiant complexion.
Full size: 1.7oz ($88.00)
Size Received: .2oz ($10.35)
Apparently Verabella is a popular Beverly Hills spa that only recently is selling their products to the general product. This company also prides themselves on using all natural and botanical-rich ingredients. The creme has Organic Damask Rose Oil that helps to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. It is also beneficial for sun-damaged or aging skin. Plus, it also has jojoba oil that is rich in nourishing proteins to increase firmness and elasticity and reduce lines. Plus, aloe-vera, vitamin A, and E. Every single line of the website description seems to fit my needs. From all my boxes this month I have a lot of options and hopefuls to reduce my redness. If I can get rid of redness and reduce fine lines, I'll take it!
eta: It seems like this bad boy is working. It is a really light cream and has not caused me to break out and has removed almost all of my redness!

Ferro Cosmetics: Matte Mineral Veil in Amber
For dark or tanned skin tones. Mattifying mineral and clay mineral powder that's tinted for a shine free finish over makeup or used alone.
Full size: .14oz ($16.95)
Size Received: .02oz? ($2.42)
Ferro Cosmetics is a mineral makeup line that is 100% natural, cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the USA. This is another finishing powder that absorbs oil, sets makeup, and mattifies. Unfortunately for me this product is meant for darker skin tones... I have NC20 skin, Im fairer than fair. How did I end up with this product? I thought maybe I could use it for a warm glow, but it is just too dark for my skin. The finish is just no good on my skin either. Every flaw or hyperpigmented spot on my face was intensified. I'm for sure going to let them know that it's sort of ridiculous that I ended up with this product when my beauty profile clearly states I have light skin and I even told Ami my exact skin tone. But this is the only let down, so I'll survive.

Total Value of my March 2012 Sindulge box: $37.29

Not bad for something that cost me a penny! Plus, next month is free for me! I think Sindulge has a lot of feedback to take in and hopefully they will improve. For me to stay a member I would need to see: better customer relations, my entire box based off of my profile and preferences, and more intuitive website. What I do like is that all the brands they featured are well-known and reputable. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they are all cruelty-free and vegan friendly!

What did you think of my first Sindulge box? How does it compare to yours? Did your consultant listen to your concerns? Let me know in the comments below!

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

Why I don't wear leather

I've come to realize that purses are my very, very soft spot. It may have something to do with the fact that my mother works with handbags. I've been around the brands Coach, Dooney and Bourke, etc before they were even popular. I also love shoes. I probably have spent more money on shoes and purses in the last year than I have on clothes. But I have a moral obligation to uphold and no matter how cute the current trends are I refuse to wear or use any product from an animal source.

Many people try and dissassociate leather from an animal, but it is the skin of the animal. The higher demand, the higher number of animals each year will be killed for their skin. The same thing goes with the fur industry, the past few years revival of fur has increased the number of animals killed for their fur. Leather can be from all types of animals: cow, pig, goat, sheep, alligator, ostrich, kangaroo, dogs, and cats. Yes, I said cats and dogs. Much of our fashion is produced in countries that use cat and dog fur and leather, and there is no requirement to label the type of animal the leather came from. None of this happens dainty either. The animal is not allowed to live to an age old, are confined in overcrowded filthy conditions, and many are skinned/dismembered while still conscious.

In the United States most leather comes from milk cows and beef cows. Beef cows are raised on over crowded feed lots that have the same amount of space as a human would have if they lived in a small closet. They are fed unnatural diets to fatten them, fed antibiotics and hormones to help them grow faster and keep them alive in terrible conditions, and many die from infection and injury (little to no veterinarian care).

Milk cows are generally confined indoors in small spaces, are force impregnated using artificial insemination, and their new calves are taken immediately at birth (sometime even ripped out of the cow) so they can move on to veal crates, beef lots, or milking. The hormones that the cow's are fed cause them to produce 10x the amount of milk they would produce naturally, think bovine growth hormone (BGH). A cow's natural lifespan is 25 years, but dairy cows are killed only after 4-5 years. And their confinement causes their muscles to atrophy so their meat is generally only able to be used as low-grade pet food or cheap meat.

Veal crates are a whole other story. The little males are confined in crates, in the dark, that disallow them to grow beyond a certain point and keeps their meat tender. They are fed a liquid diet of no nutrition to keep their flesh white. They are killed within a few months of life.

All cattle are subjected to the same horrible end at the slaughterhouse where their meat and skin will be removed. The few laws regulating transport of animals is not routinely enforced (and excludes poultry). Animals are confined sometimes for more than 36-48 hours without being unloaded for food, water, or rest. They load as many animals as possible to save money and even have double and triple decker transport vehicles. The trucks are not insulated and in summer many animals die of heat exhaustion. In winter many die from the cold or become frozen stuck to the floor. Any downed animal will have ropes or chains tied around its legs and will be dragged off the trucks. And if they are stuck to the floor legs have been ripped beneath them. They are prodded and shocked and beaten to get into line neatly.

I don't mean to scare or gross you out. I'm also not just giving a picture of the most extreme of the extremes. These facts are of what the majority of cows in america are subjected to. All I want to do is inform you. You should be a conscious consumer. You cannot make an informed decision or purchase without knowing all the facts.

I was a vegetarian for almost 9 years before I went vegan. It wasn't until I learned the facts that I realized how the dairy and egg industry directly contribute to factory farming and slaughterhouses. And when my reasoning to be a vegetarian was animal cruelty and rights, I realized I was not doing all I could to help reduce animal suffering.

Now I have to say that I do not generally like wearing faux fur. It makes me feel funny. For years real fur could have possibly been labeled as faux fur if the value of the fur was less than $150. For example, raccoon dog fur, popularly 'cultivated' in China, was mislabeled and sold in the US as faux. There is now a law that recently went into place (The Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010) that prohibits the false labeling no matter the value. But I still don't like the idea that it only took effect last year.

But I am torn with fake leather. I have a few bags and purses that mimic the patterns of alligator and ostrich. I sometimes wonder if someone who liked my fake purse or shoes went out and bought the real, leather version. But, in our day and age it is very hard to completely avoid all leather-like shoes and purses. I mean I don't want to wear only hemp or rubber shoes and totes. I love fashion and I choose to express myself without the burden of animal suffering. I am doing my best and only hope to spread the word.

Birchbox: March 2012

Although I signed up for a second account to receive both a normal box and a Teen Vogue box I was sent two Teen Vogue boxes. Although, they had different colors of the full-size products I really wanted to get a regular box like I had planned. Lucky for me the lovely Beauty Phoenix was not so happy she got a regular box and really wanted the Teen Vogue box. So we swapped! On top of the swap we traded our Essie LuxeEffect nail polishes. She already had the 'As Gold As It Gets' that was in her box and I loved it a million times more than the pink glitter I received. So win win for everyone!

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.

March 2012, Box #7
This month's regular Birchox was all about shaking off everything that is weighing us and our beauty regime down. The samples were chosen to help tackle any lingering beauty annoyances.


Information Cards:

Products:

Annick Goutal: Eau d'Hadrien
Inspired by Tuscan citrus groves, this bright scent features a winning combo of lemon, grapefruit, and green mandarin notes.
Full size: 1.7oz ($85.00)
Size Received: .06oz ($3.00)
I received another Annick Goutal fragrance in the Teen Vogue March box. It was nice and sweet, but smelled like a popular shampoo. This one is definitely very sparkling. The grapefruit is loud and clear right when you put it on. You can sort of smell the lemon, but its not a cleaning smell lemon, but richer. Once the perfume mellows out a bit it smells very woody, which Annick Goutal's website says is cypress. It is a very classic smelling scent. I really love the fragrance once it mellows out. I could see wearing this to a job interview or on a day I want to feel a bit more sophisticated and regal. What I found interesting is that this fragrance has been around since 1981. It's nice to try out a classic.

Koh Gen Do: Cleansing Water Cloth
Made with mineral-rich spring waters, this Japanese brand's travel-friendly cleansing cloth wipes away a day's worth of dirty and makeup in a few seconds.
Full size: 30 cloths ($39.00)
Size Received: 2 cloths ($2.60)
You can never have enough cleansing cloths. Well I don't really buy them, so its a treat to have them. This cloth is apparently made from pure cotton that has had no special treatments. I like since my face is so sensitive. Sometimes after cleaning my skin with clothes my skin gets really irritated. The cloth not only cleanses away dirt and make-up but is mineral rich to provide non-greasy moisture and hydration. Plus it has essential herbs that protect and nurture skin. Such a multi-purpose cloth. Im going to save these cloths for a lazy night or for when Im traveling.
eta: I tried one of these out tonight since I was feel extravagant. I absolutely loved them! They were very plush and thick with just a hint of a fresh fragrance. They removed all of my makeup and even my heavy eye makeup and blinc mascara (since the cloth is water based). My irritated, red skin felt so refreshed from the cool touch. These were one of the best cleansing cloths I've ever tried.

Traditions by Nick Chaves: Yucca Root Shampooing Cream
Hollywood stylists rave about the restorative abilities of this silky cleanser, which is made with fortifying wild yam and yucca root.
Full size: 8oz ($20.00)
Size Received: 2oz ($5.00)
I have thin, oily hair that needs clear, gel like cleansers to remove buildup. I generally use Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and have had amazing results. Less oil, no flaking, and soft hair. At first I wasnt sure about this shampoo since it is called a cream. But it is actually a clear, gel consistency somewhat similar to my normal shampoo. The shampoo provides ultimate hydration and moisture for all hair types. It is especially good for hair that tends to be brittle or dry. My roots may be oily, but my ends are currently straw brittle. Yucca and wild yam have apparently been used by Native Americans to prevent hair loss and ensure normal hair growth. The shampoo does have sodium laureth sulfate in it which I normally try and avoid, but since it is humid outside my scalp isn't too flaky or itchy, so I think it will be okay. I'll use this while Im waiting for my next order of my Tea Tree Oil Shampoo to arrive. It smells really nice, Im assuming that is the yucca. Plus, it is the perfect size for travel!

Color Club: Nail Lacquer in He Loves Me
Jazz up blah fingers and toes with this lovely pink polish.
Full size: .5oz ($8.00)
Size Received: .25oz ($4.00)
Only a mini in the regular birchbox, but a full-size in the Teen Vogue, tsk tsk. This is a very intense colored pale pink. And by intense I mean although it is a sweet pink, it is really bright on my nails. I do like the color, Im just not used to this color. I normally wear fuschia or deep red based colors. But I think it would be super cute as polka dots with white polish or as part of a design. I think it will look really nice once my skin is nice and tan. It did take 3 layers to get an even, opaque application. Most nail polishes barely last a day and I've never had a Color Club nail polish, so Ill be interested to see how long it lasts on my nails.

Eve Lom: TLC Radiance Cream
Dull skin no more: this cult British facialist's intensely hydrating moisturizer brightens your complexion with vitamins A and C. 
Full size: 1.6oz ($68.00)
Size Received: .49oz ($20.83)
The Eve Lom website states that this moisturizer is incredibly lightweight and suitable for all complexions. I don't get how it can be suitable for my greasy, breakout prone skin, but that is what it says! The formula has many natural ingredients that are high in vitamins and antioxidants (raspberry seed, rosehip seed oils) that work to brighten your skin. Oat kernel and something called Sepilift softens fine lines and lifts. I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and light the formula is. It absorbs immediately and does not leave any residue, my skin feels perfectly smooth and matte-like, just a little more hydrated. I dont really like the smell. It kind of reminds me of the wood shaving bedding for hamsters. But I can't smell it on my face, just my hands afterwards. Im not sure I'd ever pay that much for a moisturizer, but Ill enjoy it while it lasts. And I'll see how well it revives my 'glow.'

Tea Forté: skin-smart Teas
An antioxidant tea that tastes amazing and helps our skin look more radiant? Yes, please.
Full size: 16 bags ($6.00)
Size Received: 3 bags ($1.13)
This is probably my favorite extra yet. I absolutely adore tea and love that they have added benefits. The teas are certified organic and fair trade and each tea address a specific skin concern. The three flavors that I received were all green teas. Cucumber Mint is designed to boost collagen product to firm skin. The tea is laced with blueberries and spearmint that also help to enhance the glow of skin. I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds yummy. Honey Yuzu is designed to renew skin naturally and increase elastin levels. The tea is a yuzu flavored tea (exotic citron flavor) and honey. I haven't tried it, but it smells divine. Cherry Marzipan is designed to reverse the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The tea is flavored with acerola cherries and nutty toasted almond. I tried this tea and absolutely love it. It is a very fresh green tea that has just an added tartness from the cherries and a sweet, almondy end note once you swallow. Im assuming these teas would only really help if you drank them regularly, but with such a reasonable price tag I may buy the entire set of 5 flavors (swiss apple and lychee coconut are the other flavors). 
eta: I already bought a full size box of the cherry marzipan. I was sad that they don't have a box with all the flavors since I want to try swiss apple so badly.

Total Value of my March 2012 box: $36.56
So am I glad that I did the swap? I think I am! The only thing that I was interested in trying in the second TV box that I received was the other shade of the tarte. Plus, I still got to have the essie nail polish I loved the most! And now I have 6 new products to try out!

What do you think of my regular March 2012 box? What box number did you get? How does my box compare to yours? Let me know in the comments below!
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