Birchbox: August 2013

Man oh man, have I been in need of a pick-me-up.  So, I was pumped to get my Birchbox in the mail today!  Birchbox is a subscription service that sends out beauty and lifestyle samples once a month.  It's super fun, and only $10.00 a month!  If you're interested in subscribing, click here.  Some people wonder if it's actually worth $10.00 a month, and honestly, some months are better than others.  Luckily, you'll see below that, for me, this month is a great one!

For August, Birchbox collaborated with Ann Taylor to provide products and accessory inspiration to go along with the theme "Finishing School".

derma e Hyaluronic Hydrating Mist: "This all-natural anti-aging mist restores skin with green tea, vitamin C, and aloe. Spritz face to refresh skin antime, or use in the morning to set your already-applied makeup." The full size is $13.50, and I did receive a full size product!

Sorry the picture isn't rotated!

Holy smokes, the first product has already paid for the monetary value of the box!  And then some!  I like the idea of a setting/refreshing mist.  My only hope is that this isn't too "refreshing" for my oily skin. 

EVOLVh Ultrashine Moisture Conditioner- "Made from 20 different herbs, this nourishing formula delivers silky, obedient strands." Full size, $25.00, sample size $5.88.

I'm so glad to be able to sample a conditioner NOT in the form of a single-use foil packet.  This way, I can actually test it over a period of time.  And y'all, considering how GOOD this stuff smells.... I already know I'll be sad when it's empty.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash- "A coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder. A great way to prep skin for self tanner." Full size, $22.00, sample size $2.75.

Another really good-smelling product!  Good timing, too, since I'm about to run out of my current Aveeno exfoliating body wash.
 
Beauty Extra: Whish Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes- "From the shaving pros at Whish, these wipes tackle odor and slow hair growth in one swipe."  Full size $16.00, and I'm just going to assume this sample is $1.00. 

Who in the world thought of this product?  Don't get me wrong, it's kind of genius--just really random.  I only received one of these, so I don't know how it smells since I haven't used it yet. Definitely interesting concept.

stila stay all day liquid lipstick- "Longlasting liquid lipstick in a wearable red that glides on like a gloss but stays put like a stain." Full size, $22.00, sample size $6.60.

I don't know how they can describe this shade, "Beso", as wearable...it's actually pretty bold.  I generally love stila as a brand, and I'm excited to get to test this product out.  But honestly, I wish I'd received a more wearable color.  I don't have many occasions to rock a bold red lip.

Birchbox also threw in an Ann Taylor accessory guide, along with a coupon code for anntaylor.com! For 20% off 1 item or 30% off 2 items, simply use the code "BIRCHBOX". You're welcome! :)

I know there were 60-something box combinations this month, but I'm officially deeming my Birchbox to be awesome.  Not only are the sample sizes huge and the products interesting/exciting, but the box's approximate total value of $29.73 far exceeds the $10.00 price tag.  If you haven't looked into Birchbox yet, I highly recommend it.

By the way, an idea hit me today for a new blog series.  I may write more about this over the weekend, but I'm still playing around with it in my head for now.  Could be exciting.  :)