Birchbox November 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 Tati from GlamLifeGuru. This month’s sample choices came from Birchbox’s new makeup line that was created in collaboration with Tati from GlamLife Guru. The choices were between three lip colors and two eye shadow sticks. I was tempted to pick the plum/wine lip color, but ended up going with the One and Done Shadow Stick in Impress me. 

The products I received this month were as follows:

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo (Full-size $22)- This is a dry shampoo that claims to actually clean hair as well as sock up oil, sweat, and odor. As a curly girl, I’m not 100% sure how to use dry shampoo for my hair. My hair is dry, so it doesn’t get oily, so I don’t need that benefit. I will have to see if I can find some tutorials to see if I can find a use for this.

Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel (Full-size $28)- I was a little apprehensive of this product as I didn’t like the smell of the previous Temple Spa products I received. This one, however, has mint and peppermint so it smells really nice. If you’re not a mint product you wouldn’t enjoy it, but I’m excited to use it before bed one night.

Liz Earle Superskin Moisturizer with Natural Neroli (Full-size $72)- This is a superhydrating moisturizer that features ingredients to restore skin. It includes pomegranate, cranberry seed, and neroli. Neroli is an essential oil that comes from a citrus, which explains for the citrus smell in the lotion. It is also known to smooth skin, free it from infections, moisturize, and give your skin a glow. I have only used this once and it felt very luxurious. It takes a little bit for the moisturizer to absorb, so beware of that before you apply makeup.

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick- Impress Me (Full-size $10)- This is a creaseless, waterproof shadow stick. It is a unique copper color that is a little bit pink. I chose this product because I was curious if it was a dupe for the Laura Mercier Caviar in Amethyst. While they are close, Amethyst is a little more brown and is slightly darker. If you have that shade, I think you will really like Impress Me. It has decent wear time, not as great as the Laura Mercier sticks. I find that it tends to fad a little when I wear it throughout the day without a primer. For $10 it’s a great shadow stick, but it doesn’t completely live up to the claims. It is smudge proof though! You cannot move it once it sets.

MAKE Face Gloss (Full-size $25)- This gloss is meant to refresh dull skin. This product works similarly to a highlighter in that it catches the light on your face. Looking at pictures of people who have used it, I think it just makes them look oily. I’m a little unsure as to whether or not this product as silicon, as I couldn’t find it easily. I can’t see myself reaching for this product as I tend to prefer a matte look to a dewy look. I do love highlighters, but I think that’s because I love the pink and gold tones. I can’t see myself using a clear highlighter. 

Overall this box is decent. I like the moisturizer and the eye shadow and I’m curious about the dry shampoo and the shower gel. I might see if any of my friends want the face gloss.