(I'm looking over my past posts and it seems like I've lost a Birchbox review, for September. I remember writing it, but I can't find it :P I'll try to back up and do it again)
So, the first month I subscribed to Birchbox, I thought it would be my last. But then I forgot to unsubscribe, and my next box was better. Then I placed an order for a few specialty boxes, and those were GREAT. Now I'm considering the yearly subscription to save a little money, since it doesn't look like I'm canceling anytime soon :P
In October Birchbox partnered with Estee Lauder to create Breast Cancer Awareness themed boxes. I missed the opportunity to choose a specialty box (one box was available for purchase separately, but sold out within hours), so while I got a pretty pink marbled box, the products inside were not from the awareness samples. It's ok--I probably enjoyed them about as much as I would have enjoyed the specialty boxes :D Here's what I got:
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream (5 mL, $3)
This one confused me, and I honestly haven't tried it yet. It seems like it's designed for super dry skin, and I have combination/oily skin. Looks like a good product, just not really a product for me.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (0.75 oz, $3)
This one is really difficult for me. It dulls my hair. But other than that, it's AWESOME. Smells good, leaves my hair volumized and removes oils. Klorane tinted was my favorite before this one. If I could combine Klorane and Amika, I'd have the absolute perfect dry shampoo.
W3ll People Mascara (deluxe sample, $10?)
This product doesn't have the size listed, so it's hard to estimate value. I haven't used this one yet--I have three mascaras open, and I refuse to open a new one until I either empty one or the three months is up :P I love that it's a natural product, and I did look at the wand and it seems really interesting.
EXO Supply Co. Pure Remover Wipes (2, $2.40)
When I saw this in the preview, I thought it was a makeup remover wipe. When it arrived, I was kind of shocked--I didn't believe a natural nail polish remover could get the job done. I was SO WRONG. This took off my polish like a dream. The only drawback wasn't really a drawback--the wipe left an oily residue on my nails and cuticles. It felt very nourishing, so I just left it for about an hour before washing it off. But I don't think it would have been possible to do my nails right away (and let's be honest--I usually take off my polish because I'm putting on new polish. In fact, I have yet to put on new polish because I haven't had the opportunity!) This isn't something I'd use every time, but I'll probably pick up a few to use this winter when my cuticles need a little extra babying.
Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Face Mask. (1 fl oz, $7.50)
I received Acure Brightening Facial Scrub in my September Ipsy Bag. I liked it so much that I spent Ipsy points to order another, so I was looking forward to trying this one. It did not disappoint. The directions say "Apply evenly over the face until you look like a green sea-monster. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes. Rinse Thoroughly to a refreshed and renewed you!" It went on easily, but my son did ask me if I was ok when he saw the green cast to my skin. I noticed it tingled a little while it was on, but nothing too annoying. When I rinsed the mask, I was surprised that it was sudsy, like a cleanser. Afterwards, my face burned. Not so much that I felt uncomfortable, but enough that I FELT it. I'm not sure why, but the mild burn lasted for hours (this did not happen two days later when I used it again, so it's possible there was some weird reaction to a different product I had on or something else). Notice I just said 'the second time I used it'. This stuff is AWESOME. My face was as soft as baby skin after rinsing the mask off! And my face glowed in a way I haven't seen since I was pregnant eight years ago. This will be a frequently used product for me, and even if the tingling/burning returns. The results are totally worth it.
My Birchbox this month is valued at about $26 (Birchbox costs $10 a month, shipping included). The best part to me is that I keep getting 1-2 products a month that become staples. Birchbox's rewards program is amazing, and their customer service so far has been top-notch. If I was pressed to choose, Ipsy is a more fun monthly box, with more color and fun products to try, but Birchbox feels more luxurious and high-end.
(This post contains referral and affiliate links. All opinions are my own and I have not been paid for them.)
No comments:
Post a Comment