Birchbox - October

October's Birchbox theme was "Prep & Finish."  Since it's almost 2012, I thought perhaps I would "prep & finish" up my missing Birchbox posts for 2011!  Hooray for wanting to complete things!

The Lineup:

• Befine Lip Serum
• blinc Mascara
• Pangea Organics - Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask
• Orofluido Beauty Elixir

Bonus Treat:

• Tea Forte Minteas

The Winner
Without a doubt the Orofluido Beauty Elixir is the only thing really worth talking about from this box.  Here is Birchbox's description:

HOW IT WORKS
This serum relies on a triple-threat of standout oils: argan oil strengthens strands; linseed oil smoothes cuticles to leave hair shiny; and Cyperus oil fortifies and boosts manageability.


HOW TO USE
Quick-absorbing and lightweight, this oil works on damp or dry strands.  Take three to four drops between the palms of your hands and distribute evenly through damp hair.  Style as usual.  You can also work a couple drops through dry ends or use a tiny amount to calm flyaways.


This stuff is incredible.  Makes my hair super soft (but not greasy) and smells amazing (a faint musky vanilla).  I'm never really motivated to put oil in my hair since I have such fine hair and it tends to be oily by the end of the day.  But I thought I would try this on the ends of my hair after a shower and I was really impressed with it.  I went to go buy a full sized bottle of it on BB's website and it was sold out when I looked.  So I guess I'm not the only one impressed.  They have some back in stock now so go pick some up if you want to check it out.

The Runner-up:
Befine Lip Serum.  I seem to be reaching for this quite a bit.  The texture is smooth, silky, and the definition of the serum.  It feels nice, doesn't smell, isn't sticky, and makes my lips feel hydrated and soft.  Plus, any lip conditioner that doesn't have a sunscreen in it is cool with me.

The Rest:
To be fair, I haven't tried the Pangea mask.  But in my defense, I'm overloaded with Pangea products from Birchbox and really have only been impressed with one so far.  Also, I'm pretty loyal to my St. Ives clay mask.  I've used it for years - it works, and I love it.  I will come back and let you all know when I do try it.

The blinc mascara...well let's just say you can buy L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara for less than half the price and works just the same.  Just sayin'.

The Tea Forte mints, are terrible.  Everybody in my family tried them and nobody liked them.  In the trash they went.

I know I was harsh on this box but, you aren't going to always like/love what you try.  These are just my thoughts.

Do any of you subscribe to Birchbox?

Birchbox - September

I know it's November, and I've been a total slacker, but lets take a trip back to September and look at September's Birchbox.

If you aren't familiar with Birchbox, it's a beauty sample service.  For $10.00 a month Birchbox sends you deluxe sized samples of about 4-6 different beauty products for you to try.  It's a great opportunity to try new things.  Then if you really like a product, you can buy the full size.  I've been a member since March and overall I'm pretty happy with the service.

This month Birchbox is celebrating their 1 year anniversary.  The box represents some of their favorite products and celebrates the diverse personalities of all their members.  Some tried and true favorites and some innovative new products.

The Lineup:

• Minimalist colorscience pro - sunforgettable mineral powder SPF 30 in fair

• Practical Jouer - Lip Enhancer

• Classic Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo L' Eau Florale

• Adventurous Incoco Nail Polish Applique

Treat

The Winner:
Minimalist colorscience pro - sunforgettable mineral powder SPF 30 in fair.  I've developed a great love for powder sunscreen.  I have been using E.L.F (eyes lips face) powder sunscreen in SPF 45 for months and I. LOVE. IT.  Sunscreen in lotion form has always felt heavy and greasy on my skin.  Even though there are newer ones on the market that feel lighter and aren't as greasy, they still just aren't for me.  Add to the fact that I'm already using a moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation...it just all feels like too much.  Since I always finish my makeup with powder anyway, this is just a two in one bonus for me.  If you haven't tried powder sunscreen, give it a try!

The Disappointment:
Classic Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo L'Eau Florale perfume.  I just haven't been happy with the perfume selections that Birchbox has been delivering.  Most are too strong for me and this one is no exception.  Perhaps in the future, Birchbox could allow us on our beauty profile to select types of perfume we usually buy.  This might help them select a better fit for me.  I gave this away.

The Rest:
Jouer lip conditioner feels like a tube of Vaseline.  It's a little runny though.  Feels nice on the lips and doesn't contain a sunscreen (which I love because ingesting sunscreen makes my allergies go crazy).

The Incoco nail polish applique strips are so pretty and look fun.  I haven't used mine yet.  But I have used Sally Hansen's polish strips before and these are similar.  They are easy to apply and shape, and look so cool on your nails.  The only downside is that you don't put a clear topcoat on, and that makes them not last very long on my nails.  I'll save them for a special occasion.

Have you tried Birchbox?
www.birchbox.com

Thanks for reading,
Melissa

ps- If you remember, I said I would review the Gypsy Italian chamomile tea from my April Birchbox once I had some and I'm back to say...LOVE!  Best chamomile I've ever had.  I rushed to the store to grab more once it was all gone.  Thanks Birchbox for introducing me to this brand of tea!