Birchbox January 2016

Ah, Birchbox.   Let me count the ways I love thee . . . .

My relationship with Birchbox may have started out a little rocky, but it's grown stronger over the past several months.  It's slowly edging out Ipsy in my affections, to be honest.  It's the rewards program that really gives Birchbox the edge.

I'm really excited about this month's Birchbox, so let's get to it!

Birchbox does a 'collectible' box each month, and each month has a theme.  The theme this month is The Year Of _____________________.

The box came with these cute stickers you can use to fill in the blank.   I'm toying with the idea of doing something cool with this--maybe using it to save money for something specific or to put notes about a goal?  I don't know, but my creative juices are definitely flowing with this box!

 

 

Due to an oversight on my part (an expiring card that I forgot to update.  Oops!)  I didn't get the curated box I chose for this month, but I'm still pretty happy with the products I received.   In no particular order:

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle (Deluxe sample, $4)

 

 

Tati Westbrook (if you haven't checked out her YouTube channel, you really should) included this in one of her favorite products videos, and I've been wanting to try it.  Honestly, this is nothing more or less than an expensive detangling spray.   It does say that it 'locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.'  It's paraben free, sulfate free, and vegan, if those things are important to you in a detangler.  And to be quite honest, it smells AND performs better than the $3 bottle of detangler I keep in my bathroom--but only a little better.  Definitely not 7 times better, and it's more than seven times the price of my drugstore detangling spray.   I will enjoy using this and will be a little sad when it's gone, but I seriously can not imagine spending the $22 a full size bottle costs.   This is a high quality product, but there are some products you just don't need to be top of the line.   Detangler is one of those products, for me.  

Eyeko Fat Liquid Liner (FULL SIZE!  $16)

I'm not even going to try to be coy about this--I already know I'm going to LOVE this product.   It looks just like a marker, and I love markers.   It goes on smoothly and makes a beautiful, precise line.  It is jet black, sets in seconds and is budge proof.   I'm about to be That Mom in the grocery store with the eye makeup that makes you wonder what exactly she thought she was going to be doing with her day when she put on her makeup that morning, and I am ok with that.  

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen (5 mL, $4)

This blended quickly and seemed to be matte, as advertised.  I've been looking for a good matte sunscreen for those 'no makeup' days, and this just might fit the bill.  I'll update when I've given it a good trial. 

Whish Three Whishes Body Butter in Almond (0.75 fl oz, $3)

This was disappointing.  First, the ingredient list is printed SO small that I had to look it up online to find out if there was any coconut in it (I'm allergic, and I learned my lesson about not checking about two months ago when I used a new coconut-based shampoo and had an allergic reaction so bad that I was on steroids for a month).   The ingredient list I found said 'fruit', which just isn't helpful when you have an allergy.   So, I took a deep breath and tried it on my hand.  'Body Butter' to me brings to mind something thick and creamy and luxurious.  This was just a standard, slightly watery lotion.   It did give a bit of a sheen to my skin, and I could feel it on my skin even after I washed my hands--great if you want good hydration, bad if you're worried that 'fruit' means 'that thing that you're allergic to'.   And the smell is just . . . off.   Ok, I'm going to go ahead and say it--this Almond scented Body Butter reminded me of the cheap hand lotion they put in the little bedpan kit in the hospital.   Not.  Good.  Definitely not worth the $24 price tag of the full size.   There are so many better lotions and creams out there.  Do not waste your money on this one.  




Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel (5 mL, $5)

This is the most exciting product in the box, and I can't wait to try it.  I've been playing around with lots of masks and scrubs lately and have been considering a peel, so it arrived at the perfect time.  I see a spa day in my near future!!!

The grand total for this month's $10 box is $32.   Even with the yucky lotion, it's still a great deal.   I'm excited to try the peel and that eyeliner is ah-maz-ing.   I swear, though, these boxes are like a drug--I'm already anxious for my next one!!!