I worked so hard to get good pictures in September that I forgot to write the post and post this! This was by far one of my favorite Birchboxes! I love Pop Beauty and also loved the brow product from Benefit. (Strange I got another like it the month of June 2016).
Anyway, I still decided to share this pictures with you.
Love & Laughter,
T
After being an Ipsy member for over three years, I decided to give Birchbox a try. I had received their emails for a long time and was extremely jealous of all the great products other gals were posting. Without hesitation, I signed up for the Mad Men Box this past April (a little behind, I know). Birchbox is the first beauty subscription service and their boxes are only $10 a month including shipping and handling. I’ve noticed a lot of their products are similar to Ipsy’s but there are more skin care items. My first box was remarkable. Here’s what I received!
The breakdown:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Whish Shave Cream
Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush
Beauty Protector Protect & Oil
Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion
The box was inspired by Mad Men, the addictive TV show on AMC. The pink retro style of the box was adorable and there was a promo insert. Each item included was something that the women of Mad Men may have used.
This product was one of the items that I was most excited to try. I’ve heard a lot about Anastasia Beverly Hills, but haven’t tried any of the their products. This clear gel works like a hair spray and holds your brows in place. The brush looks like a mascara wand and you brush it through your brows. I really liked the formula but the smell was a little strong. For the price, I think I might be able to find a cheaper alternative. Full size is $22. The sample was probably worth about $8. I liked that it works on any colored brow and that it doesn’t budge once it’s put in place. Although it’s not a staple, I’ve been using it about once every week or so.
If you want your hair to stay in place and smell like vanilla cupcakes, buy this product by the gallons! Beauty Protector Protect & Oil was a product I needed in my life that I didn’t even know about. This tiny vial has lasted me a long time and helps smooth out my frizzy hair. It isn’t greasy feeling and has a delicious smell. Of all the items I’ve sampled from Birchbox (since April) this is one of my very favorite and I plan on buying the full sized option. Beauty Protector also sells other hair products I’d like to try in the future. A full size is about $26, so I’d guess this little sample is worth about $4.
Why anyone needs a blush that is water-resistant is beyond me. I don’t wear makeup when I’m planning on swimming and when I do, it’s not blush! That being said, this product is really nice. I like the color, which is called Los Cabos. It’s a soft tangerine. You can apply if using your fingers or using a blush brush. I like the little tin it comes in. The size is perfect because I usually don’t use too much blush to begin with. There’s a subtle shimmer that’s also great for the summer. Full sized is $26. This sample is worth about $12. You can find other shades on Amazon here.
I don’t have issues with under eye circles. I thought I wouldn’t ever use this product…until I began using it to take my eye makeup off! The formula doesn’t irritate my eyes and helps me get all the black eyeliner off my lids. The smell is fresh and leaves my skin with a tight feeling. I read the directions and used it a few times as a treatment. You soak some cotton balls and lay with them over your eyes for a few minutes. My eyes looked so fresh and bright once I took the time to let the product do its magic. I don’t think this is a “must-have” item, but it helps a lot and I’m excited to have it in my hoard collection. Full price $25. Sample about $8-10.
This product was kinda silly. It’s a $20 shaving cream. The sample was ok and I used it up but I wouldn’t spend $20 on shaving cream. The smell was yummy. Blueberry I think. BUT…$20?! C’mon. It’s supposed to help sensitive skin and keep your skin hydrated. I didn’t notice a difference between this and off brand Skintimate at Walmart. The sample size is valued at about $5 maybe?
I’m so happy to be a Birchbox member. It’s been about five months since I began my membership and I think it’s been worth it. I’m behind on my reviews but stay with me. There are more to come! This first box was a big win. My favorite item ended up being the hair oil. I least liked the shaving cream.
Love & Laughter,
Tiffany
Disclosure: I pay for my own Birchbox & Ipsy subscriptions. There are referral links in this post and also Amazon referrals. I receive points if you sign up using my link. Thanks!
This month there are so many exciting new makeup items I tried and loved! There are also a few things I’m digging that I don’t (quite) own (yet).
Westside Kate Birthday Card, $6 from Crumple & Toss
This cute birthday card is perfect for a stylish pal’s March birthday! I just discovered the online stationary/gift boutique Crumple & Toss and love most everything they offer. The store also offers quirky products from Ban.do, so you know it’s right up my alley. I’ve fallen for lots of new brands just by clicking around their site. This specific card is from Sugar Paper LA.
Cedar Street Dot Lacey Wallet from Kate Spade, $178
If I didn’t already own a beautifully chic wallet from Betsey Johnson ($15-20 from TJMAXX), I may consider purchasing this polka dot wallet from Kate Spade. I’m not into designers too much, but man, I’d love to get my paws on a Kate Spade bag! This wallet has a classic look and has plenty of storage for all of my random $1 or less gift cards accumulating in my purse.
LA Base Pro Primer from Lancome, $42
I’ve tried a lot of different makeup primers but was swayed by the incredible gift offered by Lancome in February if you spent $35 or more. I’ll be honest: this stuff works. I used it for my sister’s wedding and it kept my makeup from smearing off my face and revealing my constant struggle with adult acne! Instead, my sister and I looked flawless and our skin stayed looking matte. I’ll have to post pictures of the wedding so you can see for yourself! It’s a pricey beauty investment at $42 (that’s at least 10 caramel lattes)…but you only use a dime size every day and it keeps you from reapplying even pricier foundation.
If you haven’t already (and just why not?) check out my post about this makeup primer from Lancome for even more deets.
It Girl Cuff in Party from Ban.do, $20
I’ve just recently discovered this fantastically (This IS indeed a word. I looked it up) awesome brand called Ban.do. Basically if you could sum up my style and quirky-chic lifestyle goals you could just photograph me laying in a pile of products from this company. The bright colors. The quirky sayings. The prints. The empowering message. Ohh ahh! I think it’s for the best I live at least 100 miles or more away from a place that carries their products. This still didn’t keep me from making an order for my upcoming photo shoot for the blog. I didn’t order this rose gold script bracelet but I might for another event. You can wear it along or layer it with other jewelry for a fun look.
Roller Lash Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics, $24
The new mascara from Benefit came out in late February and I ordered it from Sephora! I’ve used it a number of times and love the way it curls my lashes. The jury is still out whether I like it more than They’re Real Mascara, but we shall see. Stay tuned for a full review with pictures!
Celestial Moisturizer from LUSH, $24.95
The weather outside here in Ohio is still frightful and my skin is turning grayer and gloomier. A way I’ve been combating this is by applying moisturizer during the day when my skin is completely nekkid. I received a sample of Gorgeous moisturizer from Lush in a gift box a few years back. It changed my skin and I was dead-set on purchasing it…no matter the cost. Then I went into Lush and realized it was $89.95. Needless to say, I asked for a similar product that was more within my beauty budget. A few of the gals turned me onto Celestial after giving me a sample to try. I’ve been using it for about a year and have purchased it twice. In the summer, I don’t use it but in the winter it keeps my skin feeling super soft. It smells like sweet almond yogurt (if that’s a thing) and is made with Fresh Dove Orchid Extract which is supposed to do magic for your face. It’s made specifically for sensitive skin so that’s a plus.