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Inside Birchbox | May 2020
5/13/2020
How are we already on May's Birchbox? It feels like this year is speeding by in a blur of days spent at home. Despite the frivolousness of a beauty box right now, it is rather nice to have something to look forward to during all the craziness. I actually remembered to choose a curated box this month, which was the 'Female Founder Collective x Birchbox', but before we go through all the products that were included, I just want to write out a huge heartfelt thank you to all the essential workers out there who are keeping our butts surviving during these impossible times, you're warriors. Again, thank you.
Brand: Lawless Beauty
Product: Soft Matter Liquid Lipstick
Full-sized details: $25
Sample size received: Full-size
I've mentioned before how I do like to receive make-up products in my Birchbox as I think it's a great way to mix-up your monthly subscription, however, I don't think I'd ever wear this purpley lipstick shade, which is a shame. I wish your beauty profile on the Birchbox website allowed you to be more specific with the shades of make-up products you'd prefer. Saying that, it is really cool that in this box there was a full-sized product that already retails for more the entire cost of your box.
Brand: Rael
Product: Collagen Sheet Mask
Full-sized details: $15
Sample size received: One Mask
Who doesn't love a good sheet mask experience? For some reason, whenever I use a sheet mask, it feels like the height of luxuriousness. Maybe I need to be more glam, alas, I'm really excited to try something from this new-to-me skincare brand.
Brand: Kate Somerville
Product: Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Full-sized details: $85
Sample size received: 7.5ml
The packaging for this would've put me off purchasing it (well, that and the hefty price tag), but I do love a good exfoliating treatment. This one surprised me with the formula being a green colour with the scent of matcha. It doesn't feel too harsh on my skin, which is a huge plus. Here's hoping for noticeable results.
Brand: Wander Beauty
Product: Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara
Full-sized details: $26
Sample size received: 10g
Is it even a beauty subscription box without a mascara? I think not! I've yet to sample this specific mascara so I'm excited to give it a good go, especially as I'm still waiting to find a mascara that I swear by. What's your favourite brand for mascara? Let me know in the comments!
Brand: Saint Jane
Product: Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
Full-sized details: $125
Sample size received: 3ml
I received this very same sample in my November Birchbox, and as I only use it every few days, I still have at least 1/5 of the bottle! This just goes to show that beauty box samples can be worth the money, despite the small amount of product you get. I find serums the easiest to make last as you only need a few drops. Over the past few months I've become somewhat of a snob with serums, and though this isn't my favourite of the ones I've tried, my skin does soak it up with glee. So I'm happy to have another bottle on standby.
Brand: Arrow
Product: Nourishing Lip Oil, Enhancing Pink
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 3ml
Raise your hand if you seem to have dry lips 24/7? This is something I've struggled with since my early teens, so any product I can try that might help combat that is a joy to me. I was pleasantly surprised that this specific oil didn't leave my lips.. well... oily. It's more reminiscent of a gel balm. But there is absolutely no colour payoff despite the claim 'it also reacts to the pH level of your skin to create a unique shade of pink'. So, meh.
There we have it! Another month gone, another box down. Once my 12 month subscription ends, I may try out a different beauty box. Any suggestions? Or any specific box you'd like a review on? Let me know, I'm always open to ideas. Be safe.
Inside Birchbox | March 2020
4/14/2020
By now, you know the drill. I enjoy my Birchbox subscription and like to show you what I receive each month in a bid to help you decide whether this is a beauty box that would benefit you. Did I remember to choose a curated beauty box for April after my mishap in March? No, no I did not. So instead we had another month of surprise products, which is both fun and terrifying. $15 may not seem like a lot to some people, but I personally want to only receive beauty products each month that I can foresee myself using up by the time next month's Birchbox lands in my mailbox. Did this one seem worthwhile to me? Read on to find out.
Brand: Beauty Protector
Product: Protect & Oil
Full-sized details: $28
Sample size received: Doesn't have the amount on the bottle, but I'm assuming 15ml.
This argan oil for your hair is said to go a long way as it's recommended you only use 1-3 drops per use on damp hair. I've said it before but I'll say it again, though I do enjoy receiving hair care products in my box it sometimes feels like overkill when there are multiple items. I don't go through oils, serums, or hair creams fast enough to make it worthwhile. I've only received hairspray and a heat protector once, which I think would be the most beneficial of the hair care family as it'd be something you could use daily. Will I use this? Yes, but I may not need to open it for awhile.
Brand: Marcelle
Product: BB Cream Golden Glow
Full-sized details: $29
Sample size received: 7ml
This is probably my second favourite product in this box. I enjoy receiving these type of makeup products as it's something I might actually contemplate buying full-sized. However, I'm not entirely sure how the shade works. Whether it's a 'one shade for all' deal as it can be worn as a makeup base, or if it's dependant on what you've put on your Birchbox makeup profile. If you know, please tell me.
Brand: NatureLab TOKYO
Product: Perfect Smooth Blowout Lotion
Full-sized details: $12
Sample size received: 30ml
This is a take it or leave it product. It's affordable, which I guess is a good thing if you really like it, but it's not exactly what I hope to get in my monthly box. It smells orangey, doesn't have a very clean ingredient list, and doesn't quite appeal to me. The packaging is also just 'meh'. Definitely the low point of my April box.
Brand: Stila Cosmetics
Product: Beauty Boss Lip Gloss - Synergy
Full-sized details: $15
Sample size received: ?
Over the past year or so, there's been many Stila products in my Birchboxes. I like the brand, I think their lip products have great staying power and the packaging is always appealing. It's always a risk receiving lip colours as it may not be to your liking, which begs the question, will I actually wear this? I'm not sure. But I'm excited to give it a go.
Brand: Sunday Riley
Product: Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Full-sized details: $85
Sample size received: 5ml
I love this skincare brand. I find their products show me results without weeks of usage, and they feel like a luxurious treat to try as the full-size pricing can be quite steep. 5ml skincare products like this will usually last me until my next box, which I personally appreciate. It's a great way of trying different skincare brands but not just for a one-off use that won't really sell you on anything.
All in all, this was a mixed box. I will make it my mission to have more control over my May box, I just need a fair few alarms as the curated boxes sell out shockingly fast. Which product from this box would you be interested in trying?
Inside Birchbox | March 2020
3/12/2020
I failed miserably when it came to choosing a curated box this month, as I entirely forgot and got stuck with a box of surprises. What did I receive? Let's see together! If you've never read a post in this series, then let me just quickly say what it is. I, like so many other easily influenced viewers, got sucked onto the Birchbox train and have been an avid subscriber for over a year now. I like being able to try out so many new skincare, body care, hair care, or even makeup products for the respectable price of $15 a month ($13 for me, as I did a 12 month subscription wherein you still pay monthly, but are in a contract for the 12 month period. You can also do this for a 6 month period if that interests you.). Do you have a subscription box? Let me know. So without further ado, let's go through the products I received in the month of March...
Brand: Benefit Cosmetics
Product: The POREfessional Hydrate Primer
Full-sized details: $32
Sample size received: 3.0ml
I've only recently jumped into the magical world of primers so I've yet to splurge on the coveted Benefit POREfessional which every beauty guru or celebrity seems to use, so I was very excited to receive this in my box despite the small sample size. As I don't use foundation, I really won't be using much during each application, however I could see how this would be a measly amount to someone who wants a primer to go over every inch of their face.
Brand: Davines
Product: Ol All in One Milk
Full-sized details: $35
Sample size received: 50ml
As you will further see as this post goes on , this mystery box was rather heavy in the Davines brand. I'm never entirely thrilled when I receive shampoo or conditioner samples as they only last one (maybe at a push, two) uses and it will never sway me into spending the heavy price tag. However, this leave in conditioner peaks my interest and I'm interested in seeing how it treats the ends of my hair. The smell is quite pleasant, but nothing to write home about. It almost smells like a herbal bottle of medicine.
Brand: Davines
Product(s): Shampoo + conditioner
Full-sized details: Shampoo, $34 + conditioner, $40
Sample size received: Both 12ml.
As mentioned above, I could take or leave these samples as one wash is never going to convince me into buying a $40 product. Meh.
Product: Luna Sleeping Night Oil
Full-sized details: $55-$105
Sample size received: 5ml
It's samples like this that keep me using Birchbox. I received the vitamin C Sunday Riley oil last month, and despite my nightly use of it, I haven't even gone through a quarter of the 5ml sample. These are such luxurious products that really do last you awhile. I'm currently in the midst of a love story with facial oils, so you best believe this is going to go to great use.
Brand: Wander Beauty
Product: Double Date Lap And Cheek - Rendezvous
Full-sized details: 2.05g, $22
Sample size received: 1.05g
Make-up products are always fun to get, but I'm on the fence on how I feel about a cream blush. Only time will tell! (note from future Anne: This is surprisingly pigmented and stays on throughout the day on the cheeks, however it separates quickly on the lips.)
Brand: Hero Cosmetics
Product: Mighty Patch Original
Full-sized details: 36 for $12.99
Sample size received: 6 patches
This seems to be the more adventurous product in this months box. I'd never heard of this company or it's product prior to seeing this but after a scroll online they seem to be quite popular. I'll be sure to give these a whirl next time I feel a pimple coming through, though to be honest, that can be difficult as I'm more of a hormonal breaker-outer so I never sense anything coming. If these work, I'll be most definitely purchasing a bulk box for under my sink.
What product intrigues you the most?
Inside Birchbox | February 2020
2/20/2020
If you've kept up with this series at all, you'd of noticed that I took a two month break. For once in my life, it wasn't because I was too lazy and/or forgetful to write up the blog posts (shock!) instead I simply cancelled my membership for a little while due to the added costs that Christmas brings to our bank balance. However, I am now back and have decided to dedicate myself to a 12 month subscription as you save a significant amount of cash doing it that way. Unlike most 12-month subscriptions, you don't have to pay the nauseating price upfront, it still gets paid monthly you just can't cancel the subscription. Not too shabby. I was late resubscribing so I didn't get the joy of choosing my products/a curated box, so here's what Birchbox 'surprised' me with..
Brand: Embryolisse
Product: Filaderme Emulsion
Full-sized details: $32
Sample size received: 15ml
Who doesn't enjoy a face cream? I have yet to find my all-time favourite, so I'm always happy to try out a new one. The scent of this gives me minor baby lotion vibes which I like but I can see how it might be a little too powdery smelling for some people.
Brand: R+CO
Product: HIGH DIVE Moisture + Shine Creme
Full-sized details: $29
Sample size received: 15ml
With Birchbox, you always tend to get at least one hair product which is great, you know, good to experiment. However, these creme type products last me forever as I only need a tiny amount to the roots of my hair. I have multiple unopened samples in my bathroom cupboard, which is something I don't like. I pride myself on using my Birchbox samples throughout the month, so that I'm running low by the time I get my next box. It makes the price point seem worth it. So having a lot of products from this brand unopened makes me angsty. I'd much rather hair products such as hairspray, heat protectors, or masks in my boxes.
Brand: Georgette Klinger
Product: Coconut Cleansing Milk
Full-sized details: $10 - $22
Sample size received: 15ml
I've recieved this exact sample before, and sadly, I found the product left my skin feeling tight and a little dry. Not what you want when you're trying to nourish your skin! However, I will still use this up in the shower I'll just follow it up with a face oil and a deep moisturiser.
Brand: Sunday Riley
Product: C.E.I. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Full-sized details: $40-$80
Sample size received: 5ml
I love a good face oil, especially in sample form as they tend to be on the pricey side. I have tried multiple Sunday Riley products through Birchbox, and have loved them all so this excites me. 5ml doesn't seem like much, but due to the fact that you usually only need a few little drops per use, I do find that a sample of this size will last me a month. Sometimes even 6ish weeks.
Brand: Purlisse
Product: Daily Lip Nourisher
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 4.5ml
Product: Daily Lip Nourisher
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 4.5ml
I received this same sample in my November Birchbox, and I actually still have some product from that despite using it multiple times a week. Quite impressive! As I mentioned in that blog post, this does not smell (or taste) anything like mango, instead it strongly resembles the smell of a Terry's Chocolate Orange. I do like it, but it can be a little gloopy if too much is applied.
There we have it. You may of noticed, like I did, that there were only 5 items this month. Which is pretty odd given that the price of Birchbox is the same and all products were of a regular size/price. We'll see if this continues on into March. Are you subscribed to any monthly boxes? I'd love to know.
Inside Birchbox | November
11/06/2019
Once again, this month I chose a curated Birchbox. If you don't know, since Birchbox revamped their subscription service, you now have a monthly choice of a few curated boxes, a substitution wherein you get your $15 in point form to spend on the site, or now you can swap your entire box for a full-size product of their choosing (this month was a Benefit highlighter). But I'm predictable and chose the skincare focused box for November. I adore getting skincare samples as they tend to last me at least a month, if not longer, so it gives my skin enough time to get used to a new routine and I feel like it's long enough for me to review the product. Without future ado, let's talk about the goodies I got this month.
Brand: Georgette Klinger
Product: Coconut Cleansing Milk
Full-sized details: $22
Sample size received: 15ml
I've never tried a cleansing milk before so this is an exciting product to me. The smell is very oat-milk inspired, which though sweet, is very addicting. I've never heard of the brand before, but after a look at their website, they seem very natural inspired which I love.
Brand: H20+ Beauty
Product: Hydration Sensitive Milk Serum
Full-sized details: $54
Sample size received: 5ml
Another milky product! I have heard of this brand before but haven't yet tried anything by them. Upon first use, my skin felt so silky smooth that I found it hard to not continuously rub my cheek. The packaging however doesn't appeal to me.
Brand: Philosophy
Product: renewed hope in a jar water cream hyaluronic glow moisterizer
Full-sized details: $39
Sample size received: 7m
Yup, that is actually the name of the product on my Birchbox handy-dancy information card. Philosophy is such a popular brand in the blogosphere, I've tried a few products from them before and always really enjoy them. So this is bound to be a hit for my skin.
Brand: Dr. Jart+
Product: Ceramidin Cream
Full-sized details: $48
Sample size received: 5ml
This moisturiser has been in so many monthly boxes that it's practically a regular in my routine. I do enjoy the results from it, it keeps my skin from getting dry and I haven't had any negative results from it. However, the smell isn't very pleasant and my skin doesn't automatically feel plumped after application. So, meh.
Brand: Purlisse
Product: Daily Lip Nourisher
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 4.5ml
My lips are forever dry. I can drink 10 glasses of water a day and my lips will still be dry. I wasn't sure about this product as I detest the taste of mango, however instead it tastes (not that i was licking it off........) and smells like a Terry's Chocolate Orange. Not sure why, but okay. It's definitely nourishing and not at all sticky. So far, so good!
Brand: Derma E
Product: Hydrating Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Full-sized details: $29.50
Sample size received: Full-size
Getting a full sized product is always exciting, especially when it retails for a staggering $29.50 which is practically double the price of your box. As mentioned in a previous 'Inside Birchbox' I haven't yet found my holy grail eye-cream. Will this be the one? Only time will tell. I will definitely do a dedicated review after the suggested 12 weeks of use.
So, there we have it. Would you of chosen the curated skincare box? Let me know!
Inside Birchbox | October
10/29/2019
This months 'Inside Birchbox' is very late. I was out of the country for most of the month (update coming soon) so I was unable to open my box until now. Better late than never? I did once again choose a curated box. Here's what was in my October box:
Brand: Balance Me : natural skincare
Product: Wonder Eye Cream
Full-sized details: 15ml, $29.00
Sample size received: 7ml
My curated box this month was heavy on the skincare products, which I love. As I haven't yet found a holy grail eye cream, it's always enjoyable getting to try out different ones. I have received a Balance Me eye cream in a previous box, but not this version. I remember it lasting me at least 6 weeks, which is always a bonus.
Brand: 11 11
Product: Fragrance Oil
Full-sized details: 0.3oz, $48.00
Sample size received: 1.2ml
Due to my lack of savings, fragrance always takes a backseat in my 'to buy' list. So I really enjoy getting samples of different perfumes. This scent is not as addictive as the 'Juliet Has A Gun' sample I received in my August Box, but it is nice. I especially like that it's an oil, thus much easier to get out of the little tube without spillage.
Brand: Air Repair
Product: Complexion-Boosting Moisturiser
Full-sized details: 2oz, $23.00
Sample size received: 7ml
This is a repeat product that I've receive a fair few times in my Birchbox. I don't mind it, but it isn't my favourite moisturiser. The scent is quite talc-like which I find a tad off putting. It does make my skin feel softer though, just no huge visible results unlike some I've used in the past.
Brand: Naturelab Tokyo
Product: Perfect Shine Oil Mist
Full-sized details: 120ml, $16.00
Sample size received: 30ml
These type of products are my favourite to receive as I enjoy using things like this, but would never pay full price without trying it out first. This is a hefty sample size, which I'm grateful for. Upon first impression, the smell is great (very salon like) and it made my hair instantly feel more conditioned without resulting in an oily look. Can't wait to try it out further.
Brand: Dr. Lipp
Product: Moisturising Colour Tint - Sweet Potato
Full-sized details: 8ml, $7.99
Sample size received: 3ml
In the same boat as the moisturiser, I've received a Dr. Lipp product before. I'm still torn on whether I like the texture of this extra thick lip balm, as it is very sticky and doesn't really sink into the lips well.
Brand: Saint Jane
Product: Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
Full-sized details: 30ml, $125
Sample size received: 3ml
This was the swaying product for me in deciding to choose this curated box. It's just fun to try out a (likely) very overpriced product, especially skincare. This bottle may be the cutest sample I've ever had in a Birchbox, and I appreciate the little applicator. My tiny sample sized amount of product is worth $12, which practically pays for this month's box. Insane. Can't wait to try!
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So there was October. I already have an eye on which box I want to choose for November, so wish me luck in remembering to choose on time! Do you pay for any subscription boxes? Let me know!
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