★ May Birchbox Unboxing + April Review ★

★ May Birchbox Unboxing + April Review ★

Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle sample box for $10.88 monthly.

Ships to: U.S., France, Spain, UK, and Canada.

Each month, subscribers have one of three options to choose from.

You can choose the featured box: You see everything that will be in the box

You can choose the single sample: You pick one sample to be in your box and the rest are random

You can choose the random: Don't do anything and everything is a surprise/random

This box I chose one sample and the rest was random (I chose the large real chemistry peel)

You take a quiz when you subscribe to help steer your items to your tastes.

You can review the items that were in your box for points. Each item is worth 10 points in the Birchbox store. $5 in store is 50 Birchbox points.

According to the Birchbox website: "At this time, individual product feedback does not significantly impact the samples Birchbox members will receive in future boxes."

Each box comes with a card that has the monthly theme and a list of the contents with the price and instructions.

1. Real Chemistry Luinous 3-Minute Peel Body - Deluxe Size 15ml $3.15 (Full Size - 160ml $34)

I would have preferred the version of this for faces (as this one is for body). I'm happy to have ANY sort of peel or mask (favoriteeee items). 

Website claims:

Exfoliation

Gentle

Evens tone

Smooths rough patches

Not iritating sensitive skin

Full body (feet->decollete.. including bikini)

Luminous skin

Soft skin

Suitable for:

Keratosis

Eczema

Body Acne

Ingrown hair

Dry skin

2. ModelCo Lip Lacquer - In "Viva" - One 1.5ml $5.33 (Trio 3x 1.5ml $16)

 The trio is the colors Creme Brulee, Morocco, and Viva (This is Viva)

 Below: One swipe

 Above/Below: Dab a little on and it blends nicely on the lips to cover with a subtle tint

 Below: No product

 Below: Nice color!

This color looked radical in the container but is a nice pink on my lips. I expected it to be bright but it is close to my natural lip color. I saw a lot of people commenting that this wasn't sticky but as someone who doesn't prefer glosses... it is sticky to me. Ha ha. When I part my lips there is a pulling (is my definition of sticky).

WATERMELON scent! No taste.

Website claims:

Shine

High pigment

Rich color

Nonsticky

Moisturizing

Fuss-free wear

Hydrating

3. Coola Classic Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea - Deluxe Size - $3.20 (Full Size - 50ml $32)

I never wear dedicated SPF on my face because it ALWAYS breaks my face out. I will always try them though because of how important it is that we do wear SPF.

The white tea scent smells sweet with subtle floral - I'm sensitive to scents and this one is SUBTLE!

Website Claims:

sensitive skin

non-irritation

no breakouts (we'll see)

ultrasheer

infused with evening primrose and linseed oil to blance moisture levels and even skin tone

water resistant (80 minutes)

White tea scent

4. Coastal Scents StyleEYES Palette - Two shades black/grey - Sample $3 (Full Size 8 shades $12)

I have four palettes from coastal scents (revealed 1-3 and the smokey) So I passed these to a friend because I have shades VERY similar to these. 

It wasn't sealed but the packaging had a sticky seal (easily breakable)

The packaging has a magnet closure (love that)

5. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - Deluxe 0.75oz $3.39 (Full Size 5.3oz $24)

Dry shampoos rarely do anything for the oils in my hair! I don't use them usually though because of the scents! It is always overpoweringly SWEET or floral. They sit in a cloud around my face all day after using them. I have already used this (as soon as I opened the box) and it DOES have a very sweet floral scent but it dissipated after a few minutes. I didn't notice any difference in my hair oils though.

Website Claims:

absorbs excess oil and dirt

leaves hair clean and deodorized, lighter, softer

Antioxidant

Fatty acid-rich obliphica oil

moisturizes

strengthens hair

repairs split ends

enhances shine

Rice starch

No aluminium shavings

No talc

Safe for color-treated hair

Total spent for the bag: $10.88

Total bag is worth: $18.07

Total saved: $7.19

This isn't my favorite box thus far... I'm excited about the peel but that is the sample that I chose. I regret not going with the box that all the samples were shown because I liked at least two of those products a lot.

I'm not a fan of dry shampoo, lip gloss, or spf.. and I already own the shadows. Since I'm a new subscriber though they have very little reviews from me to base my boxes off of! 

Five items: 3 Sealed: 2 No Seal

Sealed: Sunscreen, Peel, Lip gloss

No Seal: Shadow and Dry Shampoo

★APRIL REVIEW★

 Link to unboxing

1. Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - Sample Size - 0.7oz $5.66 (Full Size 4.23oz $34)

I enjoyed this product but it didn't wow me. The grit is ultrafine. Subtle scent.

 2. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask - Sample Size - $4.25 (Full Size 8oz $34)

I used this twice and I have to say that I DID notice a softness in the ends of my hair afterward. I was surprised. This still has several uses left and I might buy this after I'm out!

 3. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Sample Size - 22ml $2.35 (Full Size 150ml $16)

I got the lavender scent, a scent I normally don't care for, and I really like it! I will be repurchasing this product. The scent was pleasant (I'll try pomegranate, coconut, or grapefruit when I purchase). It left the area SQUEAKY clean.. I usually have issues trying to wash shaving creams off! It seemed to really help with shaving too! I'm surprised and glad to find this gem.

 4. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick - Full Size - $14.95

Comfortable, wears even, and can be a nice tiny of color of it is applied VERY softly. Other wise it looks like a blue toned red. No scent.
Cons: This was VERY drying... it dry down worse than any liquid lipstick I own!

 5. Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF - Sample Size - 3ml $1.10 (full size 87ml $32)

Great color! Light coverage but it was perfect for my tastes. Didn't run when sweating.

Thank you so much for following along

★ April Birchbox Unboxing + March Review ★

★ April Birchbox Unboxing + March Review ★

Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle sample box for $10.88 monthly.

Ships to: U.S., France, Spain, UK, and Canada.

Each month, subscribers have one of three options to choose from.

You can choose the featured box: You see everything that will be in the box

You can choose the single sample: You pick one sample to be in your box and the rest are random

You can choose the random: Don't do anything and everything is a surprise/random

This box I chose the random: full surprise!

You take a quiz when you subscribe to help steer your items to your tastes.

You can review the items that were in your box for points. Each item is worth 10 points in the Birchbox store. $5 in store is 50 Birchbox points.

Each box comes with a card that has the monthly theme and a list of the contents. It also has the price of the items and a little blurb about the item and/or how to use it.

Five items: 1 Sealed: 4 No Seal

1. Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - Sample Size - 0.7oz $5.66 (Full Size 4.23oz $34)

A face wash! One of my favorite items to get. This has a very fine sand in it and not much of a scent. Smells a little bit floral/soapy but I'm sensitive to scents and this one is barely there.

2. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask - Sample Size - $4.25 (Full Size 8oz $34)

A hair mask. My least favorite item to get. Ha ha. I will use this one though because it isn't just a conditioner. The directions say you can put it on hair after shampoo and leave it for 5-10 minutes (what? lol that is eternity). OR you can  put it on under a plastic cap and let it sit for 20 minutes! I'm going to give that a try.

3. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Sample Size - 22ml $2.35 (Full Size 150ml $16)

8 scents: Lavender, Pomegranate, Almond, Blueberry, Lemongrass, Coconut, Acai Grapefruit and Original

I received the Lavender scent. I'm not a big fan of the scent at all. There is barely any in this container.. I don't mind getting tiny samples but I loathe when they are in GIANT packaging and I have to work at it to get the dollop out! I feel as though I would have to cut this open.

I really appreciate getting this kind of sample though! I like getting a LARGE variety. 

4. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick - Full Size - $14.95

2 shades: This one pictures above and a light pinkish color (no names on website)

This is a slightly muted red but still a pigmented red shade.

 I read a lot of reviews that described this as a "perfect every day lip color" but this is the opposite of what I would consider "every day" I consider this more of a special occasion/night out/hang out color. Every day colors are usually lip dupe/natural colors to me. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing this to work/school.

As you can see in the swatch above though you can try and put it on VERY lightly?

5. Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF - Sample Size - 3ml $1.10 (full size 87ml $32)

This comes in three shades: Fair to Light; Light to Medium; Medium to Dark

Top is product
Bottom is blended in

I received the fair to light shade and it seems a little dark for my tastes. It is sheer though and it blended perfectly into my hand.

Total spent for the bag: $10.88

Total bag is worth: $28.31

Total saved: $17.43

MARCH REVIEW

1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Fresh Cut Treatment - Luxury Size - 1oz for $7.05 (Full Size 3.4oz $24)

I'm not sure that I see any difference using this product. I might have to get a haircut then try and use it and see if there is any different after that?

2. The Balm Cosmetics Stainiac - Luxury Size - 0.04 oz for $2.27 (Full Size 0.3 oz $17)

I use this one coat under lip balm for a little bit of color but it is a terrible product. Sticky. Horrible chemical burning taste. I would not purchase any of these full size.

3. Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris - Sample Size - 2ml for $3.20 (Full Size 50ml for $80)

I already owned this so... nothing new. Not a huge fan of the scent. I passed along this sample to a friend.

4. NER:D Skincare Miraculous Brightening Clarifying Face Cleanser - Luxury Size - 15ml for $3 (Full Size 100ml for $20)

I love this! I feel like I have noticed a brightening difference in my skin after using this. The sample was large enough to use over and over. I might buy the full size of this soon!

5. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (For Face) - Sample Size - 1ml for $2.23 (Full size 30 ml for $67)
5. 
   

I like serums like this one but this is one sample. I have serums.... this wasn't any different than putting water on my face. Plus it is really expensive? No reason to buy this rather than the one I currently use.

Thank you so much for following along

★ March Birchbox Unboxing ★

★ March Birchbox Unboxing ★

Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle sample box for $10.88 monthly.

Ships to: U.S., France, Spain, UK, and Canada.

Each month, subscribers have one of three options to choose from.

You can choose the featured box: You see everything that will be in the box

You can choose the single sample: You pick one sample to be in your box and the rest are random

You can choose the random: Don't do anything and everything is a surprise/random

You take a quiz when you subscribe to help steer your items to your tastes.

You can review the items that were in your box for points. Each item is worth 10 points in the Birchbox store. $5 in store is 50 Birchbox points.

Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice and be surprised by the rest of the items. This review is of the sample choice box.

Each box comes with a card that has the monthly theme and a list of the contents. It also has the price of the items and a little blurb about the item and/or how to use it.

The only products with any sort of seal is the sample and the face wash.

1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Fresh Cut Treatment - Luxury Size - 1oz for $7.05 (Full Size 3.4oz $24)

Awesome! This has to be the first time I'm excited to get a product. I do not get to the salon often enough for trims. I have a serious split end problem. I wonder if this is just a smoothing cream or actual does any repair?

(Couldn't find a LivingProof Website so claims are from Birchbox)

Website Claims:
For all hair types

Lightweight
Instant-zip technology that heals/seals split ends by aligning hair fibers
Makes hair look fresh trimmed

Hair is healthier
Extend hair cut time
Use on Dry or Damp hair

2. The Balm Cosmetics Stainiac - Luxury Size - 0.04 oz for $2.27 (Full Size 0.3 oz $17)

Below: Natural lips without any product

Below: One coat of this product

 Below: Two coats of this product

Below: Far away look at the 2 coats

Below: Sticky

Below: One swipe swatch (wet)

Below: One swipe swatch (dry)

I love all lip products but liquid lipsticks and stains are my favorites. My first impression: Disappointment.

Formula: Gel - which is nice.

Texture: Sticky - Dries but doesn't lose it's stickiness which is off putting

Taste: Bad - There is no real flavor but when my tongue touches it....it feels burny. lol
Color: 1 coat is a nice super subtle color but 2 is extremely PATCHY. It doesn't look too badly from far away but.. you can tell.

Website Claims:

Lip and Cheek Stain (no.. lol I would NEVER put this on my cheeks. Ew)

Hint of Tint

No streaks (fail)

Aloe-infused

Gel-based

3. Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris - Sample Size - 2ml for $3.20 (Full Size 50ml for $80)

I actually already own this product as you can see above. The left product is the new one (the larger spray bottle is what I received in a boxycharm box)

I don't like getting perfumes because I can only wear natural oils without my lungs burning, coughing, asthma attacks, etc. 

This has a powerful scent and seems to last decades. I haven't wore it yet and I probably won't be though. TI sprayed the packaging and it still smells of the perfume days later.

Scent (according to website): Oriental with fun fruits

Italian Mandarain, rube red grapefruit, nashi pear

Orange blossom, sweet jasmine, fresh gardenia

Amber and musk

I like the scent but it is overwhelmingly strong. If I could dab a little on it would be nice.

4. NER:D Skincare Miraculous Brightening Clarifying Face Cleanser - Luxury Size - 15ml for $3 (Full Size 100ml for $20)

I love face washes.. I have bad pores, acne scars, and an uneven skin tone. I need this. I didn't know it existed. I hope that it works. It is ONLY $20 for the full size... I'm pretty sure I'll buy the full size of this and see if it works long term!

(Couldn't find a LivingProof Website so claims are from Birchbox)

Website claims:
Soapfree

Formulated with yogurt, vit E, and fatty acids (to balance oil not strip)

Purifies pores

soothes acne scars

reduces sun damages

even skin tone every time

Ingredients naturally sourced and proven to retain moisture

fresh/healthy glow

 5. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (For Face) - Sample Size - 1ml for $2.23 (Full size 30 ml for $67)

I also really love serums. This box is great so far! Ha ha. I really love... eyeliner, mascara, polish, lipstick and face products. lol I wish this wasn't a SAMPLE. There is no way I could determine if I like this over what I currently use.

$67 is MIGHTY pricey for a serum... and this isn't enough of a sample to convince me unfortunately I can already tell

Website Claims:

Bulgarian rose water, aqua in pool (wah?) and yeast (to protect, strengthen, and maintain healthy LOOKING skin...not to be confused with actual healthy skin. loljk)

Gingko biloba leaf extract, shiso and thyme (hmm..)

all skin types

4 weeks - firmness and resilience are improved which makes wrinkles less visible

Dermatologist tested

88%-want to continue using this product

87%- Feel skin become strong

80%-Want to add this product to their current facial skincare regimen

6. Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate - Luxury Size - 5ml for $21.66 (Full Size 15ml for $65)

Yes! I've never had an eye serum help my under eyes.. but I love applying them. I love it. No idea why. It is my favorite step. This product is meant to be followed by an eye cream. Two step EYE care? I'm FOR it!

Website Claims:

Everything the same as the face serum above except:

New Imumoisture extract that helps strengthen the delicate eye area

EXTRA: Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner - Full Size - $18

I signed up for Birchbox after cancelling my Boxycharm. I saw this box and wanted it and ALMOST used the $5 (50pts) to spend in the Birchbox store when you sub code (SUBSCRIBENOW50) but I chose to get this instead with my first box using the (EYEKOGIFT) Code. 

 I wanted a new marker liquid liner and this one is an $18 value! That pays for the BOX. lol

This is NOT waterproof. I tested this on my hand.. it comes right off with moisture. Easy.

Website Claims:

Easy-to-use/easy-to-handle

long lasting

smudge-proof (true..I ran my finger across this seconds after and it was dry and didn't smudge)

budge-proof

rich color (carbon black) blackest black

contains algae extract making it nourishing/conditioning

glides

Below: It came in this baggie on top of the normal box items.

Total spent for the bag: $10.88

Without Liner:

Total bag is worth: $39.41

Total saved:$28.53

With Liner:

Total bag is worth: $57.41

Total saved: $46.53

Even without the liner I'm excited about 3 out of 6 of the products in this box. I'm reserving judgment for the stain and split end hair product. The perfume I will pass on completely because I have it of course. Ha ha.

There will be a review of this box at the end of April's Birchbox!

Thank you so much for following along