June Birchbox

It's been a while since I've done a Birchbox recap. This month was great so I felt like I needed to share!

1. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($18 for full size) ~ I haven't tried this yet, but am a huge dry shampoo fan. This one is a little more expensive than I'd normally spend on dry shampoo but I'd consider buying if I love it. I'm saving it to bring on a trip so ask me in a month or so how I like it (this dry shampoo is my favorite, in case you are wondering)

2. Mirenesse Glossy Kiss ($26.55 for full size) ~ I'm pretty sure I received a full size, so this makes the box totally worth it by itself. I really love this- it's a lip stain if applied lightly or a gloss if applied regularly. It can also be used as a blush. There's nothing I love more than a multi-functional product I can throw in my purse. 

3. Color Club Wanderlust Collection ($8 for set of 4 mini polishes) ~ I received "Reign in Spain" which is a fluorescent coral color. In. Love. I can't explain my love for this polish, other than it's been on my toes, hands, or both ever since I received it. Obsessed.

4. Oscar de la Renta Something Blue ($85 for full size) ~ I rarely like perfume samples, however this scent is perfect. It's floral without being too overwhelming. I'm not going to lie, I want to buy this for my future wedding day so I haven't actually worn this sample. (I'm planning on wearing a scent for the first time on my wedding day to associate that smell with my wedding- yes, I've thought this through)

5. twistband (birchbox nautical hair tie collection, $6 for 4 hair ties) ~ I love this anchor hair tie, however these things stretch out way too quickly for my thick hair. I've enjoyed wearing it on my wrist and using it for pulling my hair back while working, however it doesn't do a good job of holding my hair back in an all-day ponytail. It would probably be great for someone with thinner hair.

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March Birchbox

Another month, another Birchbox! Here's what I got...

1. Caldrea Body Lotion~ I actually haven't tried this lotion yet as I'm saving it for travel. I've heard wonderful things about Caldrea lotion so I can't wait to try it!

2. Serge Normant Volumizing Dry Shampoo~ I'm a big fan of dry shampoos. This one worked well but the smell was way too floral for me. It kind of reminded me of an old lady's perfume and bothered me all day while it was in my hair. 

3. Make Dual Phase Eye Makeup Remover & Make Silk Cream Lipstick~ This is a fantastic eye makeup remover. It took the day's eye shadow, liner, and mascara off in one easy swipe and the oils left a moisturizing feel to my eyes. The lipstick is such a small sample I again, wanted to save it for a special occasion. The color is great and I anticipating liking this lipstick. Bonus... 1/3 of Make's sales go towards a non-profit that supports women-led cooperatives. Win win.

4. Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board~ who doesn't love an emery board? A girl can never have too many. This was a nice surprise with a cute floral pattern on one side.

Do you Birchbox? If so, what'd you get this month? If you're interested in subscribing, click here!

February Birchbox

Happy Tuesday!

I haven't done a Birchbox recap in a while, so I thought it was about time.

Have you heard of Birchbox? It's a monthly beauty sample subscription box. Click here to sign up or for more information!

Let's look at what I got this month...

1. I think we all know what this is. Ghiradelli chocolate, Can't go wrong.

2. TIGI Rockaholic Fun Times Flexible Hairspray ($20.50). This hairspray smells great and holds well, but wasn't as "flexible" as I'd like. I'd skip buying but will definitely use the sample. It did hold my curls all day!

3. theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer ($24) This is a luminizing powder which does exactly that- I used on my eyelids instead of shadow over the weekend and loved the shimmer and neutral color. It can be used on the cheekbones for a little shimmer and even claims to "concel blemishes and fine lines". Done and done. I will definitely be purchasing, but the sample's actually a decent size.

4. Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips ($14.50) This balm was created for new moms (presumably the breastfeeding ones) and has become a make-up artist favorite according to Birchbox. In case you were wondering, I did use it on my lips. Nowhere else. It was very moisturizing so I can see why it would be popular to use in other places. The balm was a little sticky and left a weird residue feeling after a while, but that eventually went away. I liked it but can't say I would buy it.

5. Juicy Couture Couture La La Perfume ($90) I love Juicy perfumes but already own a couple and just didn't care too much about this sample. It smelled fine but I don't think I'll be buying it anytime soon. I would have preferred another piece of chocolate (wouldn't you?)

Overall, I was pleased with my Birchbox! I was disappointed a few months ago but it's certainly redeemed itself. Did you get Birchbox this month? What'd you get? I want to hear about it :)

Let's Rewind a Couple Days...

Can we go back to Friday?
You know, so I can have another weekend.
That'd be great.

I finally got my Birchbox. Let me just say, it's been a little disappointing lately. The samples are tinier than they were when I first subscribed. My skin is so sensitive- I need big enough samples so I can fully try out the products. If the samples are too small, I can't fully try them out, so I don't end up buying the products. That's a little frustrating.
Here's what I got...

Lulu Organics® Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder- I haven't used this yet, but I'll give any dry shampoo a shot!

LUNA Bar- I'm not a huge fan of granola bars (especially 180 calorie ones like this), but will definitely put this in my purse for a morning where I don't have time to eat breakfast.

Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask - I'm really looking forward to trying this... I love a good face mask

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)- This cream is actually great. I don't like the little packets it came in, but I could definitely see myself buying this 
cream...assuming it doesn't make my face break out the next couple times I use it.

Naked Princess Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss- This is the tiniest tube of lipgloss I've ever seen. I actually love the nude color, it's perfect for a neutral lip. It's not sticky and lasts a long time. I'd buy it.. except $26 for a tube of gloss? Uh, no thanks.

Moving on...
Next color from my cheap nail polish spree is this lovely gray color (NYC Sidewalkers). I've been looking for a grey polish in just the right shade and this one is a winner. It's actually done a great job of not chipping over the past day and a half. I'm pretty impressed.

The weather was gorgeous this weekend and I can't believe I still have a few peppers growing on the balcony. Isn't it a little cold for that?

Saturday night was spent with wine and Blogger. I was so exhausted from the crazy week and pretty much felt like sleeping every time we were home.

Sunday I went to the mall with my friend Katie and got a bad migraine. I felt so bad that I had to leave after just an hour of shopping. I felt so sick that I didn't even buy anything. That's when I know it's serious! After some rest, meds, heat pack, and a nap I started to feel better later in the afternoon.

This weekend should have been spent packing, because we're supposedly moving next weekend...
However, we're waiting to hear the final word. The other tenants are supposed to be moved out any day now, and we're just waiting for them to turn in their keys so we can move in to that unit. Waiting to move is just not a good situation at all. So, we didn't want to pack too much, in case it doesn't happen until the next weekend. 
Isn't that annoying?

I hope you all had a great weekend!
Linking up for Weekend Update :)

August Birchbox

I've been getting Birchboxes for the past 6+ months. I've always enjoyed most of the products but I gained a new appreciation for Birchbox after taking my vacation. I hardly had to buy any travel sized items because I had so many lying around! I even had laundry detergent pods from a few months ago that came in handy halfway into the vacation when Jake ran out of socks. 

I had plenty of shampoo packets saved up, as well as the perfect lipglosses and nail polishes for a summer trip.

Enough about my Birchbox & travel excitement...here's what I got this month!

(sorry for the phone pictures. I was way too excited to go grab my camera...)

Whish Shave Cream $20.00 full size

This stuff smells amazing and made my legs feel silky smooth. I can't say I would buy this... I don't think I can justify spending $20 on shave cream!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss $20.00 full size

The color looks super bright, but it turned out a sheer pink on my lips. I swiped again to get a slightly brighter pink color. This is a nice little sample to keep in my purse and didn't dry out my lips like a lot of gloss/lipstick does.

Viva La Juicy La Fleur $70.00 full size
I really liked this perfume. In fact, the sample I have is gone. It's a sweet floral smell so I probably wouldn't buy the whole bottle (I get sick of scents very easily). I did enjoy wearing it as long as the sample lasted, though!

Orbre Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color $36 and $39 full size
Ummm... I need to update my beauty profile. My hair's not colored and hasn't been since last December. There's no harm in using this product, but I just haven't tried it yet. I'll save it for another trip!

Schick Hydro Silk Razor $9.99, drugstores
This was a great Birchbox extra! I would never turn down a free razor- those things are expensive! The $10 value made the box pay for itself. There was also a $4 coupon on the back of this package to put towards a Schick razor. I haven't actually tried the razor since I'd just opened a new one, but I have no doubt it will give a smooth shave with the 5 blades and moisturizing bar around the blades.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with my Birchbox this month.
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July Birchbox

I was super excited to open this month's Birchbox!

Like usual, it didn't disappoint.

These headphones are my favorite part of this month's box! So fun!

Love this nail polish- a little disappointed it is so similar to another polish I got a few months ago, but I'm not complaining. I'll definitely use it!

Hair masque... I haven't used this yet but it smells great!

Shimmer lotion sample on the left... I accidentally opened the sample and it's not re-sealable and then proceeded to squeeze it all over. It's shimmery but not something I would really use because it made my skin look too pink when I tested on my hand.


Love this perfume on the right. I don't think I've bought perfume since starting Birchbox- I just use the samples I get every month! I get sick of fragrances quickly so this works for me! 

Top right- those are packets of Suki skin care system. I haven't used them yet and will probably save them for travelling.


The larabar wasn't bad either! It really just tastes like a Kashi granola bar (my favorite kind) but was a little sticky. I don't know that I would buy them regularly but it was a nice extra!

All in all, I'm definitely pleased with this month's Birchbox!

You can visit the Birchbox website to find all these products and more.
If you are a member, don't forget to review your items for 10 points an item! 

100 points = $10 to use on the website!

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox, click here!

What did you get in your Birchbox this month?

June Birchbox

This month's Birchbox came early! Here's what I got...

So far, I've tried the lip stain. It is a bit drying but the color stays for a long time. I was excited to give the Birchbox Man sample to Chris- a trial of cologne which smells great! I'm looking forward to trying the tanning towelettes. The small bag is really cute for traveling and I will definitely be using that. Overall, it was a pretty good box!

If you would like to buy any of these products, click here and they are all on this page.

Looking to join Birchbox? Click this link :)

Birchbox members- don't forget to review your products for points! 

How was your Birchbox this month?

Best of Birchbox

Since I've only been blogging a little while (not counting my random recipe posts since 2010 ;) ), I wanted to share my favorite items from previous month Birchboxes! I've discovered some pretty awesome products and usually the samples are big enough to use for a while. Sometimes the nail polish is even full size!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant {February 2012}
This stuff is great- it exfoliates but it gentle enough to use daily. It leaves my face feeling clean and has a small amount of Salicylic Acid to help prevent breakouts.

fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 {March 2012, Teen Vogue Box}

This lip treatment smells great, lasts a long time, and provides a subtle tint. Chapsticks, glosses, and lipsticks are always tricky for me and this product does not leave my lips cracked, dry, sticky, like many others do.

Kerastase Elixir Ultimate {March 2012, Teen Vogue Box}
You couldn't tell from the name, but this is hair oil. I already use Argan Oil (Redken All Soft) which I LOVE but this stuff works wonders as well. It's a blend of four oils and makes the hair feel silky smooth. It even makes styling hair easier. It's $54 for a bottle so I can't say I would purchase it, but maybe I'll save up my Birchbox points to buy it :)


Zoya TRUE Spring Collection Nail Polish- Bevin {April 2012}
I was unsure about the color when I opened the box. It's a muted blue/teal color and is gorgeous in the bottle... I didn't know how I would feel about it on my nails but I love it. I wouldn't wear this color daily but it's a fun change and got me hooked on Zoya polish! {Zoya polish doesn't contain the toxic chemicals so it doesn't smell as bad, and it lasts much longer than regular polish!}


Wonderstruck Taylor Swift Perfume {April 2012}
Taylor Swift's perfume smelled a little strong at first, so I was unsure. I tried it out and a little bit goes a long way- it lasts all day and has a fresh and fun scent. I'm a fan and would definitely consider buying a full sized bottle once my sample runs out. {As you might know from my May Birchbox post, I'm extremely picky about perfume!}


J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve- Lemon {April 2012}
April was a good month! I was pleasantly surprised with this hand salve. It smells fresh and keeps my cuticles moisturized for hours. There are other scents, but if I were to buy it I would pick the lemon scent.


That's my Birchbox roundup! What are your favorites?

May Birchbox

I finally received my Birchbox, after waiting forever! 
Birchbox = $10 monthly subscription to receive sample of all sorts of goodies- hair, makeup, and other products. It's like opening a little present each month- and I mean the good kind ;)

This was my 4th box. I can't say it was my favorite but I'm not totally disappointed. 
When I get a chance, I'll go back and do a post about my past boxes. I wasn't really blogging then, but I definitely got some good stuff worth sharing.

{1} Stila Sparkle Waterproof Eyeliner - I was excited to see Stila, my favorite makeup brand. I don't normally use liquid liner, but will give it a try. It has a bit of sparkle, so it's more of a "night out" look.


{2} Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo- Haven't tried this yet but it looks pretty amazing from the description. It's oil to foam, so it might be a nice formula for my sensitive scalp.


{3} Dior Miss Dior Fragrance- Honestly, I can't stand this scent. However, I'm super picky when it comes to perfume and my sense of smell is ridiculously heightened. I could see how someone would like it, but it's too heavy and musky for me. I tried washing it off twice and can still smell it. On the upside, if you like the scent it seems to last a long time unlike some perfumes.


{4} Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20- This moisturizer comes in sheer and tinted shades. I'm really looking forward to using it because I'm always looking for a good product with SPF. 


If you are a Birchbox member, don't forget to review your products each month. You earn 10 points per review and then redeem as cash once you have a bunch saved! 


I'd love to hear about your May Birchbox!