Included products in this month’s Birchbox:

1. Benefit Cosmetics Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer (Full-size, $29 )
2. ModelCo Lip Lacquer – Creme Brûlée (Full-size, $29)
3. COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray ((Full-size, $36)
4. Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo (Full-size, $25)
5. Davines LOVE Sooothing Conditioner (Full-size, $29)
6. CLEAN Blossom Eau de Parfum (Full-size, $20-$72)

First Impressions:

Before we get to contents of this month’s Birchbox, let’s begin with the box itself. It’s a major, major upgrade from last month’s floral mishap. In fact, they partnered up with Keds for a unique design that I personally found cute and simple. As for the beauty products, here they are…deconstructed.

1. Benefit Cosmetics Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer – ($29/full size): With summer quickly approaching, I’m all about sporting a summer glow. One way to get it without baking under harmful UV rays is to use a bronzer and one of the best—in my past experience—is Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer. I already own the full sized version (comes in one shade) and use it when I want to subtly warm up my face. The color is definitely not universal, but will work for those with light-to-medium complexions. The other bonus of Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer is that it can be used as a contour given the fact that it has no shimmer and it comes with a brush. The only negative I find to this product is the packaging. The square shape of the box is bulky and very awkward if you’re looking to use a larger contour brush with it. However, if you can bypass these faults, we are sure that the Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer will be high on your wish list.

2. ModelCo Lip Lacquer in Crème Brulee ($24/full size): I’ve previously sampled a number of ModelCo Lip Lacquers and have enjoyed them immensely. However, I was disappointed with this specific sample because the shade was way too light for my skin tone and completely washed me out. I was really shocked they would send such a light neutral shade because this is no way near being a universally flattering color. The consistency of this gloss was tacky when compared to the others I have. So all in all, the ModelCo Lip Lacquer in Crème Brulee was a complete fail.

3. COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray ($36 /full size): In the past few weeks, I’ve been on the look out for more ingredient-friendly makeup products and was more than pleased to see the COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray, which is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. I’m a big lover of setting spray, one of my favorites being Urban Decay’s Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, and was happy to see that the COOLA setting spray faired well on my normal to oily skin while protecting me from the sun. With that said, this spray is really drying, so I would only recommend this product for those with oilier complexions and who love a matte-finish. Lastly, if you’re under budget constraints, you may want to look else where because it $36 for a 1.7 oz. bottle compared to Urban Decay’s Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray which is $30 for a 4 oz. bottle!

4. Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo ($25/full size): According to Davines’ website, the Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo is “ideal for frizzy or unruly hair for a smooth look. Its formula, characterized by a soft and creamy foam, is designed to gently cleanse frizzy hair and favor styling, making the hair smooth. Winner of Allure magazine’s 2014 Best of Beauty Natural Wonders”. While the texture of my hair would not fall under the category of frizzy or unruly (more like thinning and lacking volume), I figured why not try the Davines LOVES Smoothing Shampoo out. At first glance, I was happy to see this sample would last me through at least six hair washes, which would give me a decent point of view on the product. As for the smell, it is lightly scented and would not offend even the most sensitive of noses. One thing I liked about this shampoo is that it does not create an overabundance of soap shampoo suds. It also left my hair feeling hydrated prior to the application of its complementary conditioner.

5. Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner ($29/full size): This conditioner is geared towards those with frizzy hair and just based on the Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner consistency, that this would be a very fair statement to make. In fact, this conditioner is by far the thickest cream conditioner I have ever used and was really pleased with the final results. Now, per the Davines website, its recommended that you leave the conditioner in your hair 2-5 minutes before washing off. Depending on your hair type, I would say those who have oily to normal hair not to pass the two-minute mark because the results would be too overwhelming. I stuck to this advice and was pleased to see that my hair was very easy to detangle and straighten afterwards.

BONUS (for this month’s box)

6. CLEAN Blossom Eau de Parfum ($20-$72/full size): As per described by Birchbox, “this scent features notes of Tunisian neroli, orange blossom, and sensual sandalwood”. When I sprayed some on, I felt as if I was rolling in flower garden with no end in sight. This scent is overwhelming and too flowery scented. Quite frankly, this would not have been a favorite for me anyways because I enjoy musky fragrances. However, I was willing to bypass this fact and give the CLEAN Blossom Eau de Parfum a try. In the end, I wish I hadn’t been so considerate.

Final Verdict: Merge

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!