Birchbox

Birchbox Review July 2016

Included products in this month’s Birchbox:

  1. Cargo Blush and Bronzer (Full size, $35)
  2. Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion (Full-size, $58)
  3. Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara (Full-size, $14)
  4. MD Solar Science Daily Anit-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 (Full-size, $68)
  5. TOCCA Eau De Parfum – Bianca (Full size, $34-68)

First Impressions:

Let’s begin with the box – it is classic!  The flower petal pattern in a gradient of colors is lovely and very appropriate for summertime.  As for the products:

Cargo Blush and Bronzer:  The first thing my eyes found immediately upon opening my July Birchbox was the shiny Cargo tin (apparently a Birchbox exclusive item). I really do enjoy Cargo products and was more than happy to try this one on for size. However, my joy was quickly squashed between the difficulty in opening the tin and realizing how small the sample was. I mean, if it had been a one-product sample, say just a blush, I would have been okay with that. However, splitting two completely different products in this miniscule packaging was simply not practical. There was no way to get a regular size brush into the pan, so I had to resort to looking for brushes that I had from previous samples. Thank you Benefit Hoola because that was the only brush I could use to maneuver around the bronzer portion of the sample. Logistics aside, the pink blush was pretty on my medium complexion and the bronzer looked decent. Overall, there really is nothing to rave about when it comes to the Cargo Blush and Bronzer Duo.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion:  I love Dr. Brandt’s skincare line of products and the PoreDermabrasion did not let me down. Given the sample size of the product, I decided to use it only on my nose where my pores are noticeably larger and see, if over time, it would make a difference. According to Birchbox, The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is “a boost of salicylic acid that unclogs pores, caviar lime brightens, and lentil seed strengthens and tightens pore walls”. Well they got the description down pact because over a week I realized my pores were noticeably smaller, which in turn, helped my makeup sit better on my nose. The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is a keeper if you can afford the steep price.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara:  I’m a sucker for a good mascara sample; I simply cannot get enough of them. So for this month’s Birchbox, I decided to select a brand I was not familiar with. Well, I’m so glad that I decided to take a chance on the Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara. First off, it has a curved wand, which is my favorite shape.  Second, the brush grabs onto every single lash and helps extend it to the max. Third, it also works very well on the bottom lashes because the brush does not overload with product. There is no doubt in my mind that Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara is a great mascara comparable to high-end mascaras.

MD Solar Science Daily Anit-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30:  I can’t say I was happy to see another moisturizer/sun protector in these month’s Birchbox. My personal preference is to use a foundation or a BB cream that already incorporates SPF, so I don’t have to layer on more products, especially in the summer time. Given this preference, I decided to give this product a try on a non-makeup day and was happy with the thin consistency, but did not notice positive results. Unfortunately with skincare products with SPF, you have to use it for a long period of time to really notice if it is working. So as of now, I can’t say its good or bad, and given how expensive the full size product is, I will probably never really know.

TOCCA Eau De Parfum – Bianca:  “This clean, citrus scent has undertones of rose and sugar for longwearing, intriguing layers” (as per Birchbox). This is my second TOCCA perfume from Birchbox and I like the Bianca scent much more. It’s a bit heavy compared to other rose perfumes I’ve used, but it does last all day.

Final Verdict: Merge

Kiss Kiss

Makeup Deconstructed Rating System:

1 Kiss = Purge: Only one of the products in the box/bag is worth keeping.

2 Kisses = Merge: Two to four products make this box/bag worth merging into your makeup collection.

3 Kisses = Splurge: All five products are amazing and worth splurging on!

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  • June 2016 Birchbox

    June 2016 Birchbox

  • Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in #3 Medium

    Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in #3 Medium

  • The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof

    The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof

Included products in this month’s Birchbox:

  1. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in 3 Medium (Full size, $24)
  2. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint (Full-size, $36)
  3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray  (Full-size, $44)
  4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Full-size, $28)
  5. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof (Full size, $14.95)

First Impressions:

Let’s begin with the box – it is GORGEOUS!  Simple prism-like boxes in a gradient of colors, it’s by far my favorite Birchbox box to-date.  As for the products:

  1. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in 3 Medium: Talk about a no-brainer.  When it came to choosing what Birchbox I wanted for the month of June, I automatically chose the one with the new Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Gel sample.  Before this point, I had never used another tinted brow gel other than the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel ($22).  Well that is about to change because the Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel (in #3 medium) works just as well and helps create a stunning full brow without much work.
  2. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint: If you are in the market for a moisturizer that has a matte finish, then look no further because the Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 fits the bill. From the onset, I was highly intrigued with the concept of a matte moisturizer because I have always wanted a product that would not leave my face looking and feeling greasy.  And true to its word, the Coola Mineral Face moisturizes while simultaneously offering sun protection with a flawless matte finish.  If there is any downside to this product, it would probably be the price.  At $36 (1.7 oz.), it is certainly at the higher end of what I would pay for a moisturizer.
  3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: What else can I say other than you cannot go wrong with any Oribe product, especially with the Oribe Texturizing Spray.  This spray is perfect to use if you are looking for beachy curls or sexy volumized hair.  Again, the only negative I can find is perhaps the price as it comes in at $44 for a full size can!  If the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is out of your price range, don’t fret.  The Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray (currently only $10.99 at Ulta.com) can do the job just as well.
  4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This was my first time trying out a leave-on exfoliant and my experience went really well.  The application of Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is no different than with a toner, simply use a soaked cotton ball of product and apply all over the face.  While the product itself looks like water and goes on as if it was water, it does leave behind a thin glossy film which in turn makes any complexion absolutely radiant.
  5. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof: The PBJ Smoothie Stick is such a lovely addition to my ever-growing chubby lip crayon collection.  The sample sent not only looks like a full-size product, but boasts amazing ingredients such as sweet almond oil.  I would also consider the color, a lilac pink hue, to be understated, but really pretty for everyday use.  My only suggestion, considering the shade color, is to exfoliate really well before application because any excess skin will be apparent upon application of this lip crayon.

Final Verdict: Splurge

Kiss Kiss Kiss

Makeup Deconstructed Rating System:

1 Kiss = Purge: Only one of the products in the box/bag is worth keeping.

2 Kisses = Merge: Two to four products make this box/bag worth merging into your makeup collection.

3 Kisses = Splurge: All five products are amazing and worth splurging on!

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  • Sephora Play! Beauty Bag, May 2016

    Sephora Play! Beauty Bag, May 2016

  • Sephora Play! Beauty Bag May 2016, Product Cheatsheet

    Sephora Play! Beauty Bag May 2016, Product Cheatsheet

  • Bite Beauty Amuse Brouche Lipstick in Kimchi

    Bite Beauty Amuse Brouche Lipstick in Kimchi

I purchase more than half of my beauty products from Sephora. It has always been my go-to store, and so when they came out with a monthly beauty box subscription, I jumped at the opportunity.  After a few months on their waiting list, I finally received my first Sephora Play! Beauty box.  Well, more like a beauty bag since that is what I received and definitely appreciated.  The bags can easily be reused and easily stored, unlike my Birchbox boxes.  A lovely pamphlet was included in May’s products, which broke down their ingredients. These included helpful tips such as “improve the benefits of your masking sessions” and “two ways to wear this month’s lip products”.  This Sephora Play! consisted of the following products:

  1. Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine ($35 for duo)
  2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi ($26)
  3. Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram ($18)
  4. Origins Maskimizer + Drink Up & Clear Improvement Masks
  5. Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial ($34 for collection)
  6. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($9)

1. Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine:  For those looking for a shot of citrus zest on the skin, the Atelier Cologne in Orange Sanguine is a perfect option.  The orange scent is strong and could be overpowering for those with sensitive noses, but I do appreciate a perfume like this for the summer.

2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi:  Every Bite Beauty lipstick I’ve ever tried is a winner in my book.  It goes on smooth and is highly moisturizing (contains coconut and pomegranate oil).  The shade, Kimchi, included in this month’s Sephora Play! bag is beyond stunning. The bright pink/magenta will look amazing on any skin tone and fits in perfectly for the summer months.  This product will make for a happy departure from heavy matte lipsticks and liquid lipsticks.

3. Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram:  I’m a lover of almost all things Tarte whether it be their Amazonian Clay Foundation ($39) or their eyeshadow palettes.  I figured my love affair with the brand would translate with the Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon, but I was wrong.  It’s not that the lip crayon was terrible, but it was just too stiff and drying for my liking.  Over the years, I’ve strayed away from harder denser pencils in favor of more creamy versions (i.e. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat Lip Liners).  Another issue I had with the Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon was the color.  Latergram is supposed to be a nude color, but appeared more peach on my lips.  Sadly, the Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon will not be on my to-buy list.

4. Origins Maskimizer + Drink Up & Clear Improvement Masks:  This product was more of a 3-in-1 because it included a priming mist, a charcoal mask, and an overnight mask.  I readily indulge in weekly masks and at-home-peels so I looked forward to trying these out.  The charcoal mask applied smoothly, dried quickly and was easy to remove after the recommended ten minutes.  Before removal, I had a feeling it was going to work like a charm because it felt like I had received a mini face lift; that was how tight the mask dried.  When all was said and done, my skin felt and looked refreshed and youthful.  As for the overnight mask, it worked just as well.  The priming mist is no different than a MAC Fix + and would also recommend.

5. Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial:  Just like the Origins Drink Up overnight mask, the Korres worked wonderfully in bringing in more moisture to my skin.  I could see myself using these products interchangeably because the difference was inconsequential.  However, I would recommend these for anyone who suffers from an oily skin complexion even though both the Origins and Korres overnight masks are lightweight.

6. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask:  This was a treat for me as I’m not well versed in the world of hair conditioning masks.  Given my limited experience with them, I only have good things to say about the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!  It went on not too thick and certainly did not feel slippery like normal hair conditioners.  I left it in for the recommended five minutes and found that it left my hair soft and the tips well-conditioned.  The only negative is that it does not work like a normal conditioner in the detangle department.

Bonus:

One of the biggest perks to the Sephora Play! beauty box is that it included an in-store card to receive expert advice and 50 Sephora Beauty Insider points with any purchase.  I consider that a win-win because I love racking up my Sephora Beauty Insider points in order to receive free samples.

Final Verdict: Merge

Kiss Kiss

Makeup Deconstructed Rating System:

1 Kiss = Purge: Only one of the products in the box/bag is worth keeping.

2 Kisses = Merge: Two to four products make this box/bag worth merging into your makeup collection.

3 Kisses = Splurge: All five products are amazing and worth splurging on!

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