July 2015 Birchbox Review + Coupon Code!!

July 2015 Birchbox Review

Here's your coupon! :)

amika Un.Done Texture Spray (28mL) - $4.29

I've tried their dry shampoo, love it! I hope I'll like this texture spray as much...

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face (7mL) - $4.52 

I'm sick of getting so many sunscreens in my boxes. Every time! Boring!

Jouer Daily Clarifying Treatment Oil ( 3mL) - $4.80

I use Muji cleansing oil, so this will be fun to try. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer (30mL) - $3.79

I tried this last night, it was nice but seems a little silly. Maybe it's better for people will constantly dry skin.

stila look at me liquid lipstick trio ( 1.5mL) - $6.67

I tried this as well and not sure if I like it. It was thick and covered well, but it was hard to apply with the spongy little applicator. Very easy to look like a clown.

TOTAL VALUE: ~$24

Nice! What was in your Birchbox?? 

xo,

T

October 2014 Birchbox Review!

Birchbox October 2014 Review!

Day #3 of catching up on posts!

This month's box took FOREVER to arrive! I just got it last week, I think... I recently moved so the address change screwed things up. Anyway! I liked all the contents this month, yay! This has become a rare event! 

Camille Beckman: Tuscan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy (7.1g/.25oz) = $0.58 value 

Dr. Lipp: Original Nipple Balm for Lips (3mL) = $2.90 value

This works great for super chapped lips! Not as good as bag balm though! I know some people are weirded out about buying something that was made for cow udders, but seriously... come on!! It's a great product for dry skin and it's WAY cheaper than these fancy products we want to buy because it's out there and makes all these fancy claims. The packaging for Bag Balm is really cute too ;)

Yeaaa, that just turned into another rant... Well, the nipple lip balm is great too! Oh, and it's thicker than bag balm so if you prefer thick balms this is your thing!

Jouer: Matte Moisture Tint in Nude (5mL) = $3.80 value

This was pretty thick compared to my Neutrogena tinted moisturizer, but it was ok mixed together. I need more coverage bc I have a terrible habit of picking at my skin while I'm studying which led to some discoloration where the scars are or are fading... but the thick foundations settle into my smile lines, which I HATE! So... tinted moisturizer with concealer is my go to... Anyway, this had pretty good coverage but was too thick for me, it felt like a foundation, not a tinted moisturizer.

Lord & Berry: Paillettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Black (0.4g [~1/3 size of reg. eye pencil) = $6 value

I wore this on Halloween (I didn't dress up so I thought I'd at least add some sparkle to my eyelids hahah). It went on fairly smooth and didn't smudge. The glitter wasn't really noticeable, but maybe if you applied layers it would show up more.

Toni & Guy: Casual Sea Salt Texturizing Spray (75mL) = $5.52 value

This is a pretty big sample, yay! I used this today after washing my hair, so it was damp. The directions say to use it on dry hair. It didn't do anything to my hair, so I'm going to try it on dry hair tomorrow and see how it works, if I remember I'll update the results here or message me about it and I'll reply asap! ;)

Sarah McNamara: Miracle Skin Transformer - Miracle Revival Mud (7g) = $2.50 value

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Total September 2014 Birchbox Value = $21.30

Nice!

-xo,

T

Birchbox Review August 2014

Birchbox August 2014 Review!

Not as late as my July review, lol, but still catching up!

Some shiny goodies in there...

CAILYN Cosmetics Dizzolv'it Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm:

Looks fancyyy, however, this makeup remover was not effective for me. I used it after applying some (non-waterproof) mascara that I received in the Beautybox5 and gel pencil liner from Julep. I'm pretty sure I used as per the instructions, but I still had quite a bit of black makeup still on my eyes after rinsing off this balm. I think I prefer using baby oil or plain face lotion to remove my eye makeup. Oh they're WAY cheaper options!

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume:
I was really happy with this [not] perfume sample! I loooved the smell! Too bad it's so pricey! Maybe one dayyyyy <3

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow:

It's a little dark for me so I mixed it with a tinted moisturizer I use daily and it was perfect. It provided more coverage than my tinted moisturizer which is perfect for days I have a bad breakouts... like the past couple weeks :( It was pretty thick so I don't think I could wear it without mixing with my thinner tinted moisturizer. It would settle in my smile lines, blehhh. 

ModelCo Bronzer:

This bronzer is pretty nice! Smooth and soft consistency, and can be layered for darker "bronze" look if you want or use it as eyeshadow! It wasn't too shimmery/glittery either, which is a good thing in my book! And who doesn't love a full-size product in their sample box?!

Supergoop!® Forever Young Hand Cream with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40:

Yippee... yet ANOTHER Supergoop lotion in my box... I get one in almost EVERY box!! Come on Birchbox! Mix it up!! I'm sooo tired of Supergoop. Receiving so many of their samples is making me not want them which means I won't buy the product. I don't know why, I think I'm just associating the product with my annoyance at getting their products so often. Maybe a tad irrational, but I don't care, I want variety!! And really I prob wouldn't need to buy sunscreen for another year because of how many Supergoop samples I've received! 

Ok, done with the rant. I have to be honest, I haven't even tried this hand cream yet so I won't review it lol. I'm sure it's a great quality product though. I've been satisfied with their other sunscreens.

As with the other post, if I get time to total up the value I'll update the post :)

What did you think of last month's Birchbox? What goodies did you receive?

xo,

T

Birchbox Review [May 2014] + Coupon Code!

May Birchbox Review!!

Again, I wasn't too excited about my box. There were a bunch that I've seen online that are soooo much better than mine. I didn't really want anything that I received, but I am getting a little use out of the samples, so it's ok ;) 

When I put this on my hand to see the color it looked super frosty and I was totally turned off. However, I just tried it on my lips (duh!) and it's actually pretty nice! It's more of a nude than it looks in the pic and the bottle, and MUCH less frosty lol! I'll use this again :)

ANOTHER Supergoop sunscreen sample?! Didn't I get one in the last box?! No more sunscreen samples pleasssse! The last one I got may not have been water resistant but... Oh well, I'm in the sun every day for at least an hour, while walking my dog, so it'll get used. It's just kind of a bleh sample haha

Oh goddd, really?! Nail art stuff? I got one in a Cult Box a few months ago; actually I got two because my 1st box got broken in the mail. Now I have three white stripers. Oh well, Birchbox doesn't know what I have, but I'm pretty sure my profile says I like the "low-maintenace" style... low maintenance striping nails? Mmmm... nope! I'll give this away to a friend who's really into nail art. 

Blehh... shave cream. I tried it out, and wasn't that impressed. I prefer my Dollar Shave Club shave butter! But, this will be handy on trips! I received the Whish Pomegranate lotion in a previous Birchbox and really liked the smell, so I guess this sample wasn't toooo bleh :P

Nooooo, more tea?! My profile says NO FOOD! Oh well... I like Chai so I'll drink it and hopefully it'll make me a little less annoyed, hahah

My tea collection is EXPLODING!!

I'm too broke to spend $75 at Kate Spade in order to $25 so if any of you want to spend $50 there send me an email and I'll give you the coupon code! (I think it only works once-- I'll check it, if it's a generic code I'll post it here)!

Sooo... another bleh-ish Birchbox. I'm hoping next month will be better! I'll prob need it after finishing up Pathophysiology! I just started the summer class this week, it's pretty intense! I'm SUPER glad I decided to get it out of the way this summer so, I won't have to take it along with all my nursing classes! So far so good, but the first test is on Monday! Wish me luck! ;)

xo,

T

Birchbox Review [March 2014]!

March Birchbox Contents! -- Very late and quick post!

Yay, Birchbox! If you've read my other posts about their box, you know how much I like receiving it. This month was no exception... :) The value ALWAYS exceeds the $10 they charge for it every month. Looooove!

Ok, this post is a bit incomplete but I just saw the charge on my bank statement for Birchbox so I'm expecting April box soon and need to put this up now! Sorry so late, as usual lately... I've been so busy with helping out family, bf, friends that I have not had a minute to myself, lol! 

Anyway, I may update this later tonight, but this is all for now ;)

EDIT: Still haven't received my April Birchbox :( 
But I did use another one of last months product -- see below for review!

I spy something full-size!!

Air Repair: Rescue Balm [All-Purpose Skin Salve & Lip Balm] - $? 

I haven't tried this out yet, would've been perfect in December when I went to LA... It was much drier than where I live; my lips where dried to the max! However, for some reason the skin on my nose gets really dry so I'll try a lil dab on it and see how it goes.

EDIT: I tried this on my dry nose (the bridge of my nose gets dry for some reason... I have a really bad habit of squeezing out my pores (I know, I know...) and I'm thinking that's why. Anyway, it didn't work overnight, but after a few applications I think it's helping. I also put it on my lips and it made them look nice and full! I really liked it for the lips! Matte, but full! 

Curly Hair Solutions: Curl Keeper Total Control for Frizzy Hair 

Actually, I haven't tried most of these yet because I want to save them for a time when I'm going out and actually feel like getting dressed up, lol! 

Pop Beauty: Stain Stay in Peach

I've used this a few times. Stays put for a LONG time, nice color but not for everyone. Great quality stain!

Ok, more later!!

xo, -T

Birchbox Limited Edition Snow Day Box Review!

Birchbox Limited Edition Snow Day Box 2013!

I was excited about this one! I was able to use my Birchbox points to get $10 off! You accumulate by making purchases (includes the monthly box) and doing reviews on their website for products you purchased from them or received in your Birchboxes. 

(*I included a screenshot of my checkout page at the bottom of this post)

Extras!!: I also used a promo code that was on their website for a free face scrub (free with $25 purchase - find these deals on the left side of the screen under the category "Birchbox Bonus Shop") AND I got to add on the Mystery Sample Pack for free (you can purchase it for $10 or get it free with $35 purchase)!

A packing list along with some neat little cards: Scrabble tips and "Home Spa Day" tips, which was just giving suggestions on using all the items from the box.

Travel Size Scrabble: Birchbox Edition - $36

Three Tarts: Cinnamon Marshmallow (2 pcs) - $2.20 (10 ct. = $11)

Askinosie Chocolate: Single Origin Non-Alkalized Cocoa Powder (40g) - $3.23 (130g = $10.50)

I love playing Scrabble and mini versions of things so this is perfect! It's housed in a nice sturdy box (more sturdy than what board games usually come in) and seems to have enough pieces for 2 players. Can't wait to play this with the BF instead of Words with Friends ;)

I haven't tried the marshmallows or cocoa powder yet but I'm sure they're both delicious ;)

Here's the game w/ all the pcs out.

Happy Socks (1 pair) - $10

MALIN+GOETZ: travel candle (Cannabis) - $13.40 (9oz candle = $52)

I really like the pattern on the socks and they're really soft! However, I don't really show off my socks so I'm thinking of giving them as part of a Christmas gift to a friend who does.

The candle is really nice, and no it doesn't smell like marijuana lol. It smells more forest and nice soap. Looove! But, I do have allergies and a slight cold right now so it may actually smell completely different.

Mox Botanicals: [Travel Size] Matcha & Clementine Body Soak (.50oz) - $4.47 (4.25oz = $38)

Chantecaille: Flower Infused Cleansing Milk (0.27oz) - $5.08 (3.4oz = $64)

Chantecaille: Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask (0.17oz) - $7.90 (1.7oz = $79)

Out of these 3 I've only tried the Cleansing Milk. It worked well as a gentle facial cleanser. I didn't break out from it and it didn't dry out my skin. I normally don't wash my face everyday because I'll break out and dry out. I guess my skin has become "sensitive" in the recent years. The scent was very light too, but pleasant. Anyway, I don't think I would spend $64 on face wash though. Well, I definitely wouldn't right now, but who knows later on? 

L'Occitane: Shea Butter Hand Cream (10ml) - $1.82 (5.2oz = $28)

I've bought this hand cream before so it was nice to get a little one to carry in my bag. It's a little thicker than lotions I usually use but it does absorb pretty fast and was a hand saver (get it? :P) during bitter winters on the east coast. Tip: a little goes a looong way, I still have a tube from 3 yrs ago!

Jonathan Adler: Fireplace Matches in Purple Flame (50ct.) - $10

The packaging is pretty cute! Especially for a box a matches! If I still had my antique oven that required lighting with a match these would've been perfect! Perhaps I'll take them on my next camping trip instead… I mean "glamping" trip?!

S.W. Basics Organic Lip Balm: Cinnamon (0.15oz) - $3.75 (4 tube variety pack = $15)

This lip balm is pretty good! The cinnamon flavor also has cardamom. It should be labelled Cardamom flavor instead of cinnamon bc it definitely overpowers any other scent and flavor. It's not bad though. I would've preferred more cinnamon or just a different flavor all together lol. I'd like to try the Peppermint one. 

One thing I really like about this lip balm is that it doesn't leave any medicinal weird metallic-like after taste, as do Chapstick brand and others like it. 

I don't know if I'm allergic or something, but Chapsticks will dry out my throat or something… strange. That's why I usually carry little tubs of Bag Balm concoctions I mix up to use as a balm instead (*later on I'll post a how-to).

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The following items were all additional free samples (the face scrub was the bonus item for spending $25. The last two were from the mystery pack that's $10 or free with $35 purchase).

Derma e: Refining Vit A & Glycolic Scrub with Vit C & Vit E (4oz): $12.75

I actually used this on my legs before shaving and it seemed to do what it's supposed to! Reminds me of St. Ives Apricot Scrub but not as rough and I like the smell a little more. I was surprised that they sent a full-size version and not a little sample since it was a free gift! What a deal! ;)

Ruffino Nail Polish: Fox Hunt (0.17 fl.oz) - $8 (comes in a set of 3 = $24)

Violet Oasis: 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil (4ml) - $2.66 (60mL = $39.95)

I received a Ruffino nail polish in my October Birchbox and really did not like the color. But I do like this one! And the quality is actually pretty good. Dries as fast, if not faster, than my Julep nail polishes!

I was actually recently admiring a friend's hair… M;)… who told me she uses Argan oil on it! Definitely trying it out on that soon! I did try it on my face already and it was wild! My skin instantly looked smoother. Seriously. 

Snow Day Box = $97.85
+ Free Derma e Exfoliant $12.75
+ Free [Pick 2] Sample Pack $10.66
=$121.26

Here's that screenshot I promised:

Whaat?! Crazy deal for only $29! Once again the people at Birchbox impress:) Love it!

So as you see above, the Snow Day box is actually $39, but I used my Birchbox points to get a $10 discount. You accumulate the points by doing reviews on their website, which you can only do on things you receive in the monthly Birchbox and I think on stuff you buy from their shop. I'll have to double check on that one.

-xo, T