Birchbox August 2015

In case you are unaware, Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription box. It costs $10 a month and you receive multiple sample size item. These boxes allow you to try tons of new products that you may have never even heard of before. The other fun thing about Birchbox is that every time you purchase an item from their site, or review a product from your box, you receive rewards points! Once you collect 100 points, you get $10 off of your next purchase. These points definitely add up quickly between buying your box, and reviewing the products.

Each month, Birchbox allows subscribers to pick one of their samples. If you prefer surprises, you don’t have to pick one. You can choose to be surprised instead. They also offer full boxes that have been made by a guest. This month’s guest editor box was by Nicole Richie. This month’s sample choices were R + Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo, Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer, Rusk Volumizing Mousse, and  Coola Makeup Setting Spray with SPF 30. I went back and forth between the Mousse and the Spray but ultimately went with the spray. I’ve been looking at a few moisturizers that don’t have SPF, so a setting spray with SPF would be a great solution.

The Products I received this month were as follows:

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer (Full-Size $20)- This is a moisturizer that has antioxidants and is meant to hydrate and protect the skin. I haven’t used this product yet but I’m really excited about it! I’m also excited that this was the first of 3 sample choices I got in my box! I’m planning on saving this for Iceland. I think that this will be a great one to put in my carry on and put on my face during the long flight. It’s also nice that you can use it as a hydrating mask.

COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray (Full-size $36)- This was my sample choice and the product I was most looking forward to getting! This setting spray is meant to provide a matte-finish that not only sets your makeup, but hydrates skin and blocks UV rays. I’ve only used this one and I did not like it at all. Not only did it reek of chemicals (not appealing at all), but it burned my eyes. I closed my eyes when I sprayed it, like I do with my other sprays, but when I opened them up I immediately regretted it. I will try this again, but I am super disappointed. This product seemed so smart!

LAQA & Co Charm School Kit (Set of 3- $20)- This is a crayon that is meant to be a lip and cheek product. I’m always a little wary of these kinds of products. I feel like they tend to only work well as one or the other and just kind of get you by as the second use. I’ve only tried this one as a lip product and I really liked it. It’s matte but not drying and is a very pretty pink color. I haven’t tried it on my cheeks yet, but I have high hopes as long as it blends easily!

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil (Full-size $25.95)- This is a hair oil meant to defend against heat, breakage, and UV rays. I love the smell of this! I think I’ve had a few other Beauty Protector products and didn’t enjoy the smell, so I wonder if this is different or if I just don’t mind it in oil form. This oil makes my hair feel very soft. It doesn’t do much else that I can see, but I do like how soft my hair feels afterward. I might buy this in the future, but so far it’s not a must have.

RUSK Volumizing Mousse (Full-size $18)- I was so excited to see this in my box! How lucky am I to get both of the samples that I wanted? This is a mousse that is meant to give hair a hold and provide volume. I’ve used it once and I think I need to play around with it. I have curly hair, but the top sometimes gets a little flat. It says to blow dry your hair after putting this in, but I don’t even own a hair dryer. I put it at my roots and fluffed it, but it didn’t do much. It was a little crunchier than I thought it was going to be. I definitely need to try this again. 

Overall this box is a total win! I opened this and immediately wanted to try every single product in this box. I would happily purchase almost every product in this box as well! I think that this is a great box and it makes me really excited for my other boxes to come.

July Birchbox Update

Jouer Daily Repair Treatment Oil- I have used this face oil a few times. It does hydrate my skin, but I don’t know if it smooths and rejuvenates my skin. I don’t use it consistently, but it has been nice to have.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray- I actually completely forgot that I got this product ad haven’t tried it the first time. I wasn’t super impressed (obviously) the first time after using it. I might try it once more and if I don’t like it, I’ll pass it on.

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer- I’ve used this twice and it’s ok. I love the smell, but it doesn’t greatly hydrate my skin. There also was barely anything in the sample which was disappointing. I’m hoping I can get one more use out if it as I really had to squeeze the first two times. It’s nice as a sunscreen but I don’t think I’d use it as an everyday moisturizer.

Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE Peel Sensitive- This peel is weird! It is totally liquid which makes it difficult to put on. I didn’t notice a big smell, so that’s a good thing. It also made my skin itch while it was on my face. The sample says that tingling is normal, but I don’t find a mask that makes me itchy very relaxing. I will not be purchasing this.

Stila Look at Me Liquid Lipstick- This product is fun. It’s a great product that I can put on and not have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day. It isn’t the best in terms of transfer, as it does transfer to people and products and gets worse the longer you wear it. I also had more issues the second time with the fading of it than I did the first, but I don’t think I was as careful with my application. I don’t know if I would purchase this product at full price, but I wouldn’t turn it down on sale or as another sample!