Birchbox: May 2013

Birchbox totally sneaked up on me this month, but I'm not complaining because I kind of LOVE everything I got.  Let's dive in!

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask: "Packed with omega acids and vitamin C, this lush conditioning mask boosts shine and even helps repair split ends." Full-size $12-$40, sample size $1.60

 

I. Love. This. Stuff. It's seriously great.  I've purchased it through Birchbox before, but purchasing an item doesn't mean you won't receive it as a sample in the future.  I am soo not complaining.  This will last me 2-3 uses; I had previously purchased the smaller $12 tube, which lasted me about 2 months.  I'm trying to save up points so I can get the $40 tub for free!  Seriously wonderful product.  The smell is heavenly, and it leaves my hair feeling so hydrated and soft.  

 

COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: "This mineral sunblock is infused with organic anti-aging ingredients like evening primrose extract and borage seed oil." Full-size $32, sample size $4.33

I've received a COOLA face sunscreen before, but that one was just purely a sunscreen.  This one is a moisturizer with SPF.  Love my SPF, so I'm very excited about this.  Also, I love that it came in a little tube--the last COOLA product I got came in an non-resealable cardboard pouch of sorts, but I still loved it enough to use points on it. Hooray COOLA!

Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste: "A stylish Italian import with an invigorating peppermint flavor." Full-size $10.50, sample size $1.40

How adorable.  I'm going on a trip in a couple of weeks for Memorial Day weekend, and this toothpaste will definitely get used!

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner: "Inspired by traditional Indian formulas, this velvety liner glides on easily and lasts for hours." Set of 4 mini pencils $21, sample size (1 pencil) $4.25

 

Tiny baby eyeliner!  I received the shade "Suman", which appears to be just black.  A very densely pigmented black.  I usually wear brown or dark brown eyeliner since dark black can look harsh against my light skin and light eyes, but this will be fun to try!  Closeup of the product is below.

                          

LIFESTYLE EXTRA

Runa Guayusa Tea: "With more antioxidants than green tea, this caffeine-rich blend is made from Amazonian Guayusa leaves." Full-size(16 packets) $7, sample size(4 packets) $1.75 

                                  

                      

Tea.  Yummy.  End of story.  By the way, it's pronounced "gwhy-you-sa".  Fancy.

So!  The total monetary value of my May Birchbox is $14.33.  More than the $10 price tag, but not by much.  Despite this, I love and look forward to using everything I got!  Good job, Birchbox!  If you are interested in learning more about this service or want to sign up for a subscription yourself, click here!

Also, if you're reading this, I hope your Monday went well!  I went through most of the day feeling like it was already Tuesday, so the rest of this week is bound to be just swell. :)

 

Birchbox: February 2013

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  I'm not usually a fan of this holiday, but this year has been pretty wonderful.  I got my Birchbox relatively early this month!  Which is especially amazing since some of the boxes shipped late due to all of the recent snow in the Northeast.  This month's theme is "Red Carpet Ready".  Let's take a peek at what I received, shall we?

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint: From the info card included in the box, "This SPF 15 oil-free tinted moisturizer blends in beautifully to even out skin and control shine."  

In February of 2012, I received the Luminizing Moisture Tint from Jouer, and I loved it.  When I discovered they had a matte version, I desperately wanted to try it.  Very excited to receive this sample!  I do wish the sample size was bigger (it's 0.07 fl oz), but if it's anything like the LMT, a little goes a long way.  Unfortunately, the full sizes of these products are quite the investment ($38.00).  That's pretty much the only thing keeping me from buying both.

Juicy Couture Couture La La: "Roll out the red carpet for this new scent, a stunning mix of mandarin, red currant, lily, and orange blossom."  

While my favorite Juicy perfume I've smelled is still Viva La Juicy La Fleur, this one is pretty nice.  It definitely reminds me of Clinique Happy.  Very citrus-y.  Spritz with caution. 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo: "Master stylists always have this oil-busting dry shampoo in their kit. It leaves behind a tousled, piecey finish."  

 

For me, dry shampoo is a beauty product category that is either hit or miss.  I haven't tried out this particular sample yet--I'm saving it for the weekend in case it doesn't work out.  But, I'm excited to try it nonetheless! And, I can always use it for travel if it isn't stellar.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: "This exfoliating cleanser uses professional-grade (read: effective) microderm crystals and papaya enzymes to brighten skin."  Sounds fancy.  I've used this once so far, and I like it.  

 

It really does have a very fine texture that feels like you're giving your skin a thorough polishing.  Plus, this is a huge sample size, so it will last me a while.

**It should be noted that this box also included a caramel Ghirardelli Square that was consumed immediately upon sight. :)

I'd say this was a pretty great Birchbox month for me.  I'll definitely use everything I received.  Interested in signing up for Birchbox yourself? Click here.

February No-Buy

Ever feel like you're drowning in all of your junk?  My obsession interest with all things beauty in the last year or so has sort of exploded and gotten out of hand.  I have way more products than a normal person needs or should have.  So, I'm going to enforce a "No-Buy" on myself for the month of February and participate in a Project 10 Pan of sorts.  Project 10 Pan is the practice of using 10 items in your beauty collection--whether it be makeup, lotion, shampoo, perfume, etc--as much as possible until you either "hit pan" in the case of makeup or use them up completely.  One rule: No new purchases until these items are empty!  I'm also going to try to use as many of the free samples I've accumulated. 
After going through all of my stuff, these are the 10 items I'm going to be using this entire month:

1. Body Butters

Lord knows I have too many kinds of lotions.  I have two different body butters (The Body Shop Shea Body Butter--this is a mini size-- and Lavanila Vanilla Coconut Healthy Body Butter) that are either almost gone or halfway gone, and I want to try to use them up completely.  I figure it's best to use these this month since they are very thick and hydrating for winter skin.

2. Fragrances

I have a sample size of Forever Red by Bath and Body Works and a small Sexy Little Things Noir body mist from Victoria's Secret.  So, if you happen to wonder what I'm smelling like this month...there you go.

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer in Fair to Light

This is a great tinted moisturizer.  I'm almost finished with it anyway, so this project will give me an excuse to use it up completely.

4. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder

I've already hit pan on this one; I just want to finish it.

5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends sheer highlighting blush in Pure

Love this stuff.  I've actually had it for a really long time.  Kinda surprised it's not gone yet. 

6. Neutrogena Healthy Skin brightening eye perfector in Fair

I'll be honest: I don't love this under-eye concealer/highlighter.  Let's use it up and get rid of it, shall we?

7. CoverGirl eyeshadow trio in Shimmering Sands

Pretty, neutral shadows. 

8. Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish

Definitely one of my favorite eye liners of all time. Looks beautiful on blue eyes!

9. Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes in Very Black and Brownish Black

Awesome Great Lash formula, but the rubber bristle wand is why I love these.  I've had these for a while, so it's time to use them up.

10. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

My attempt to pick just one of my jumbo lip pencils and stick with it for a while.


So that's it!  No online shopping, no trips to the drugstore (except in case of emergency).  Wish me luck.  Of course, my birthday is in March, so I will probably lift the No-Buy for that, but I want to keep my shopping/spending habits in check from now on.  No more splurges!  Except in the case of a really great sale.  Yikes, maybe I actually do have a problem!

Had to sneak in a quick Nail Of The Day! "Kendal" by Zoya. Pretty grayish lavender--perfect for February!