Thursday, August 11, 2011

My First Birchbox

Last month I introduced Birchbox ($10 monthly make-up program) and well today I received my first one in the mail. I was so excited to see my first pink box in the mail. I got an email last week saying it had shipped but I didn't arrive until today. Not as fast as Jewelmint, but it could have been worse.


So I quickly busted this pink box open only to find another box...


The card you see there has a note from the Birchbox team explaining this month's box. August is about beauty innovation so all the products revolved around that. Basically taking normal make-up products and upgrading them.


The other side of the card lists the samples you received along with a description and the pricing for the full product sizing -- which you can actually purchase through Birchbox's site.


All my products were just placed within the tissue paper lining the box. With the exception of that small pink package which held my Kate Spade NY perfume and LIFTLAB solution.



--Updated with Star Rating--
Products I Received: 


1/ Befine Night Cream
...I haven' t used this yet but plan to try it out this week. It smells like a chocolate bar because of the cocoa in it but not sure I want my face smelling like that. 
...I used this night cream last night and was very impressed. Like I mentioned above, it does have cocoa in it, but it was not too overpowering. The cream went on very smoothly and did not take long to soak in. It left my skin feeling very hydrated and soft. It also didn't take much product so I'm thinking this sample might last awhile. Once it runs out I will highly consider ordering some.
***** 5 STARS
2/ Befine Exfoliating Cleanser
...I haven't used this yet either but plan to. Brown sugar, sweet almonds, and oats sound like good ingredients for an exfoliator.
...I used this exfoliator this morning. The coarse brown sugar granules did a great job exfoliating my skin. After the cleanser I used the LIFTLAB solution below and followed up with my Clinique step 3 lotion. My skin feels so soft and I liked this product. However, I am used to using my Clinique 3 step face program so I won't be switching this cleanser. The only thing I didn't like about this product is that I would want to see change is that the sample be in a tube. It was quite difficult to get all the product out of that pouch since most of it settled to the bottom.
*** 3 STARS
3/ Blinc Mascara
...I haven't used this yet since I'm already wearing make-up today. However, I plan on using it tomorrow. I am a mascara JUNKIE so I'm the most excited to try this. The description says it "encases your lashes in a thin tube of water-rest. formula that won't smudge, smear, or run." I'm excited to test that out compared to the Clinique mascara I currently use.
...I used this mascara this morning to change up my daily make-up routine. I absolutely LOVE it! It went on very smoothly and surprisingly, no clumping. It does go on a bit wet so I would recommend putting on your mascara first then your eyeshadow. This way if any gets on your eyelids (which it probably will) then your eyeshadow primer and shadows will cover it up. Another reason I am so in love with this mascara is because it prevents me from doing my WORST bad habit. I tend to pick off mascara off my lashes throughout the day when I'm bored. Then my eyes become irritated and I'm mascara-less. It's absolutely impossible to do that with this mascara because of the "little tubes" it forms around each lash. Removal was easy too for those wondering. I just showered and the warm water gently slides those "tubes" right off. 
***** 5 STARS

4/ Kate Spade New York Twirl perfume
...I HAVE tried this and it's awesome. I didn't know Kate Spade had a line of perfume, I only know her because she makes the glasses I wear. I sprayed some of this perfume on and it's wonderful. It's a floral scent and those are my favorite perfumes. I might purchase a full-size of this but at $65 for a 1.7oz I'm thinking it just might go on my Christmas list. I'm not willing to spend that much.
**** 4 STARS

5/ LIFTLAB Lift & Fix High Potency Solution
...I haven't tried this yet and I am a little scared to. The little dropper bottle didn't come with any instructions and the description on my Birchbox card was very vague. However, I got on Birchbox's website and found this info: "Apply to clean, toned skin. Dispense a small amount onto fingertips and smooth onto skin, concentrating on any areas of redness or sensitivity. Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer and SPF." I might give it a try but I'm hoping not to fall in love with it considering it's $85 for a 3.4 oz. Ouch!
...I used this solution this morning after the Befine exfoliator. I used the instructions above and it only took about 4 small drops for my whole face. So I'm assuming this sample will last me quite awhile which is awesome considering I'm not willing to spend $85 on this stuff. My skin isn't usually red or too sensitive so I'm not sure how often I'll use it but I do like it. It's very hydrating and goes on nicely without leaving my skin feeling wet or oily.
**** 4 STARS

EXTRA: 6/ Twistband hair tie
...I have tried this and it's okay. Honestly, when I first opened my box it was under everything else and I almost threw it away until I saw it on my description card. I'm surprised Birchbox considers a hair tie a make up item. Especially since this one isn't really anything special. The elastic is quite soft and it didn't leave a crease in my hair like most do. However, I think this would only be good for people with short or thin hair. It only fits around my hair twice and isn't as secure. Also, I don't know if you can tell from the picture above but it has a little nub thing on the end that stick out when you tie your hair up. I'll make use of this one since I own it but I won't be buying the 3 pack for $5.
** 2 STARS



So that's my Birchbox for August. I'm pretty impressed with the box I received and I already can't wait for mine next month. Also, I'll try my best to remember to review the products listed above that I haven't tried yet. I'll definitely have word for you on the mascara and possibly the Befine exfoliator and night cream. Stay tuned until then!

1 comments:

Camber York said...

That was thoroughly enjoyable to read.