April Birchbox

The moment has come and I am finally caught up with my Birchbox posting! Here is April's box which I loved tearing open and discovering the secrets behind each beauty product and extra.

Supergoop! | Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream || I already love BB creams and Supergoop so when I saw that the CC cream had more coverage than the BB cream combined with SPF 35 I was dying to try this. I loved it.

Beauty Protector | Protect and Detangle || Part de-tangle, part conditioner, and part heat and sun shield, this beauty protecter goes above and beyond when it comes to protecting the hair. And did I mention it smells like vanilla?

Claudalie | Divine Oil || I've had a dry patch on my leg that needed some desperate TLC. When I applied the Divine Oil to the area it instantly smoothed the skin. And it smells pretty fantastic with notes of Moroccan and Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, and vanilla.

LaFace Laboratories | BEAUX YEUX Beautiful Eyes Concentrate Intensive || This is for the under eye puffiness from studying for finals and writing papers well into the night. Just apply a dap under each eye and an instantly cool tingling is there. But if it tingles a little more than you expected and you wind up with a new red puff under your eyes you may be a little sensitive to the product like me.

Hail Merry | Macaroons || These were oh so delicious. They tasted healthy and the right amount of dark chocolate and coconut.

If you're interested in getting or gifting a Birchbox, you can sign up here for $10 a month.

March Birchbox

I'm only a month behind now as I'm catching up with the March Birchbox!

Macadamia Natural Oil | Healing Oil Treatment || This has such a fantastic scent and gives plenty of moisture to my hair just like the Deep Repair Masque.

Sage + Fasten | Common Sense || This scent is relaxing and natural with notes of orchid, lotus, mango, peach, and lychee. This can be a nice daily scent.

MAKE | Dual-Phase Eye Make-up Remover || There is a ton of cucumber oil in this just FYI. I put it around my eyes and they were instantly inflamed. This may work for others. It's just definitely not for me.

MAKE | Silk Cream Lipstick || This lipstick is very red and very matte. I appreciated the color, but realized that it was not a color I needed. I instead used it in an art project where I wedged the lipstick into a bullet shell. I at least got a really good use out of it.

Madewell | Emery Board || This was a full size extra emery board from Madewell. I found it useful, but the pattern was exceptionally matronly.

Macadamia Natural Oil | Deep Repair Masque || My hair has been very dry recently (I blame it on the  fluctuating weather where it went from Winter to Summer in a matter of moments.) So when I used this masque it conditioned and renewed all that moisture into my hair. And the combination of macadamia, argon, and tea tree oil in this smells divine. 

If you're interested in getting or gifting a Birchbox, you can sign up here for $10 a month.

February Birchbox 2013

It's the first day of April and I'm somewhat catching up with the more recent Birchbox boxes, so in keeping time here is February's "Red Carpet" themed Birchbox.

Ghirardelli // Milk &Caramel Squares // I always love these chocolates. They're decadent, delicious, and smooth. Since I'm dieting I made sure to give mine to my Grandpa when I visited and he loved it.

Twistband // "You're A Gem" Headband // I love twistband after receiving two in the September box and have been using one every day. Now that I have the headband as well, I'm enjoying pushing my hair back when doing my make-up and as a headband for the gym. 

Lancome // Bi-facial // Great for removing eye-make up. Comes off easily and is not too greasy. Plus the sample size is pretty big.

Skin & Co // Bagnodoccia Body Gel // The combination of orange and olive in this shower gel smells heavenly and it is a great pick me up moisturizing body gel.

Color Club // Fiesta Collection // When I first saw the green nail polish, I thought how am I going to pull it off? But when I tried it on I fell in love with the emerald color of Wild Cactus.

Happy Birchboxing!

Shannon

January 2013 Birchbox

A new year and a new box of Birchbox treasures. This box marks my Birchbox 1 year mark and I could not be happier with the service of this industry. That and all the products for such a great price. I don't have to spend money on products I'm not sure about anymore. This is my one beauty research stop and here's a few things I got for the new year.

1. The Balm // Put a Lid On It // Primers are great to use since they bring out the color and set the eyeshadow all day. Compared to Urban decay's this one is a little oilier and not pigmented.

2. Juicy Couture // Viva La Juicy // I've tried Juicy Couture's "Juicy Couture Signature Fragrance" and "La Fleur" and came to the conclusion that neither scent was "mine." The signature fragrance smelled like and I'm quoting my past self "overwhelmingly strong, floral, and has a hint of an elderly woman's house filled with victorian furniture." While "La Fleur" was like a cotton candy pre-teen slumber party. This fragrance however jumps over all of these and smells fantastic. With hints of wild berries, sweet mandarin, honeysuckle, jasmine, gardenia, caramel, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline this fragrance sings a song of fireside relaxation.

3. Caudalie Vinexpert // Radiance Day Cream // I'm a little tired of receiving moisturizers in my box, but at the same time I can say that I will never run out and my face really needs to try and try new moisturizers. This one just did not stand out too much. I found nothing wrong and nothing to rave about. 

4. Number 4 // Clarifying Shampoo // I always need at least one clarifying shampoo in my shower and I'm glad I have one. Most clarifying shampoos have a lot of tea tree oil which I like, but this product does not. I will say that as much as it cleanses, it did not strip my hair whatsoever. 

5. 100 % Pure // Nourishing Body Cream // The Green Apple smells like sugary candy which is not something I really want in a lotion. But it does make my dry skin happy.

And as always, if you're looking for a birchbox of your own you can get them here. You'll get about 4-5 trial size samples of high end products for $10 a month + free shipping.

December 2012 Birchbox

I'm catching up on the last of the Birchboxes that I had stockpiled for myself on Christmas Morning. After this I'll slowly be fading into 2013's boxes and into present day boxes. Since I just received my March box today.

1. Amika// Obliphica Nourishing Mask // The hair mask smells out of this world, like some crazy berries and it conditions so well that my hair felt hydrated and soft for days.

2. Aerie // Shimmer Fragrance // Light and airy this fragrance is very similar to Aerie's sheer fragrance, just with a little more pizazz.

3. Lashem // Measurable Difference Lash Gel Serum // This is meant to help lashes grow healthy and is to be applied at the lash line on make-up free lashes. I haven't noticed any big changes yet though.

4. the Balm cosmetics // Mary-Lou Manizer // Works as both highlighter, shimmer, and eyeshadow. It has great pigment on the eyes and a nice sheer application for cheeks. I'm considering actually purchasing this when I'm done.

5. Chuao Chocolatier // Salted Chocolate Crunch // A delicious salty and crunchy dark chocolate. The sea salt is what really makes the taste.

If you'd like to join Birchbox as well, you can sign up for your $10 box here.

P.S. Notice any changes to the blog? Tell me what you think.

Shannon

November 2012 Birchbox

I've had a series of "boxes" come in lately like the Julep, Sweetheart Vox Box, Birchboxes, and the Cara Box. So bare with me as I share with you all these boxes one after one, to start I'm back to catching up with Birchboxes of months passed, like November's box.

1. ModelCo // SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss //  The Shine Lip Gloss is my go-to lipgloss when I'm going out. It has a perfect red punchy color that really makes a statement.

2. John Varvatos // Artisan // This is part of the "give" Thanksgiving theme, and as this is a mans cologne you're meant to give it to a man. I think this was a good way to introduce Birchbox Man. And by the way this cologne is great and Gerred and my Dad both like it.

3. Oscar Blandi // Pronto Texture & Volume Spray // Great for getting that lift, just add this to dry hair and it gives some spring to your do.

4. Caldrea // Hand Soap // I got samples of Sea Salt Neroli and Vanilla Quice Santal and they smelled fantastic and made my skin feel smooth and soft.

5. One Love Organics // Aromatic Body Serum // This scent is a bit too syrupy sweet and not to my liking, so I did wind up passing this along to another.

Happy Birchboxing!

Shannon

October 2012 Birchbox

So I'm catching up with all the Birchbox's that I missed while away in Ireland with October's Birchbox. In October Birchbox teamed up with goop, an online source for everything lifestyle. Goop handchose these products to sample from and here are.

1. LUNA // LemonZest // I've always been a fan of LUNA bars and lemon zest in particular. They are basically cliff energy bars for women that taste delicious.

2. Embryolisse // Lait-Creme Concente -24 Hour Miracle Cream // This moisturizer feels very soft, non-oily, and smells fantastic. This is one of the better moisturizers I've tried.

3. Naked Princess // Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss // This lip gloss did not do much for me, it was pale and forgettable.

4. Lulu Organics // Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder // I've received this before in my Birchbox and loved it the first time. Now, I'm glad to receive it again because I put baby powder in my hair almost daily and I love the lavender-sagey smell of this.

5. Karuna // Hydrating Treatment Masks // I tried this on with my suitemates present. I definitely scared them a little too much. The whole process of wearing the scary mask is distracting rather than relaxing as is described. My skin did feel super hydrated afterwards though so I am glad I used it.

Happy Birchboxing!

Shannon

Double September Birchbox

While I was abroad I still kept up with my Birchboxes. I had them delivered to my house and my parents wrapped them up and placed them under the tree for Christmas. So, that Christmas day feeling I get when I opened them up was even more real. I went through so many boxes that I'm now starting way back with September. One of the cool things that actually happened for September was that I was sent two boxes by accident. Then Birchbox gave me 100 points for their slip up. Meaning I got two boxes full of different goodies and I got to walk away with $10 worth of credit in the Birchbox shop. I'll have to redeem those points soon, but for now let's see what I walked away with for the Double September Box.

1. Boscia // Purifying Cleansing Gel // I tried this last night and was blown away. I have some serious dry and sensitive skin so most face washes are too harsh on me. This however was soft and kept all the moisture in.

2. 21 Drops // Aromatherapy Blend Focus // Aromatherapy smells are the best to soothe and de-stress. I just dab a bit at my temples and wrists and smell the rosemary, peppermint, and frankincense and I am instantly relaxed.

3. Twistband // Hairties // Oddly this was one of the most anticpated item I've wanted to recieve in a Birchbox. I've wanted to try the twistbands out for so long and knew that Birchbox would be a great way to try it before I buy it. And well, I think I'll be buying some more. I was lucky to recieve one in each box (orange and teal) and they have been my go to for buns and ponytails. These are awesome because they don't form kinks in hair when you take them out and don't cut off circulation on your wrist.

4. Kate Spade // Twirl // I'm obsessed with Kate Spade and of course this perfume. It is my absolute favorite and I was glad to get two this time. This is a very cheery fragrance as it has notes of watermelon, blackberry, red currant, orange blossom, jasmine, and magnolia. This by far is my favorite fragrance ever.

5. Mighty Leaf Tea Company // Teas // This came with an assortment of different teas Green Tea Tropical, Vanilla Bean, and Chamomile Citrus. These are perfect right now since it's terribly cold outside and everyones getting a little sick. I did only try Green Tea and wasn't the biggest fan though.

6. Color Club // Tweet Me and Status Update // These colors are so different. On one hand you've got a the bright green which can be a little overpowering since it looks like Nickelodeon slime. And on the other a nice grey slate that I think is great for a statement nail. Between the two I would choose the grey one and save the green for halloween.

7. Tili // Bag // This was a Birchbox extra and at first I wasn't sure what this was for. It's a fancy looking bag, but its intended purpose is to stow the small make-up and liquids when traveling. It keeps them sealed and won't break and of course looks cute while doing it.

This double box mistake has been wonderful. Fingers crossed this happens again. If you're looking to sign up for a Birchbox I'd check it out here. It's only $10 for boxes and free shipping.

Shannon

Birchbox Men November 2012

When Gerred's Novemebr Birchbox Men came in he skyped me immediately to show me all the things he got in this month's box and here's what he had to say.

Peter Thomas Roth // Mega-Rich Shampoo & Conditioner // Although this shampoo and conditioner combonation smell good, I didn't really think my hair was all that great after
using the sample.

Suki // Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser // "This scrub is literally sugar and lemongrass. It smells awesome, and is a great way to wake up and scrub off the sleep."

Atelier Cologne // Vetiver Fatal // This cologne smells awesome. There are two types of cologne; those that smell awesome and those that don't. I would wear this out.

Old Calgary // Oxford Card Sleeve Wallet // Made of 100% wool felt, this wallet allows me to carry the bare minimums of cards and/or cash. It's flexible, too, so I can sit on it and forget it's there unlike a bulky wallet.

John Allan's // Cool Face // "This product smells pretty good after a shave, and it definitely helps fight razor burn. I don't know if I really would need it all the time, though."

If you'd like to sign your man up for Birchbox Men for $20 a month or gift a subscription to him for Chirstmas just go here! It'll be a great holiday gift!

Shannon

Birchbox Men: September 2012

Since my Birchboxes won't be opened until I come back home for Christmas, I'm living vicariously through Gerred's Birchbox Men. We Skype one another and he opens the box and sort of acts like a youtube guru as he reads off the card and gives his comments. Here's what Gerred had to say about his September Box.

1 & 2.  Oribe // Ultra Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner // "This shampoo and conditioner set not only smells great, it also leaves your hair feeling like silk. It has some special ingredient that makes your hair feel very soft. I would not mind trying it again."

3. Balla Powder // Original Powder // "I never knew why baby's needed powder until I used this sample. After a shower, putting this powder on makes you feel smooth and clean in the places that take longer to dry. It also smells awesome, so I have a better understanding why baby powder exists."

4. C. O. Bigelow // Mentha Lip Balm Stick SPF 15 // "This chapstick is EXTRA minty. I think that's why I find it so appealing. It is also smooth, too. Smooth and soft seem to be a key highlight in the september box."

5. MeUndies // Boxer Brief // "This underwear is the best pair I own. I understand why it costs almost 30 bucks a pair. the material is soft, the cut is better than any boxer-brief I've ever tried."

Gerred enjoyed everything he got in his box. If you're thinking of getting your own Birchbox Man or gifting them to someone special for the holidays they are only $20 a month and free shipping and you can sign up here.

Birchbox Men

Every month, when my Birchbox arrives in the mail, I am full of suspense. I'm always wondering which trial sized high-end beauty products I'll receive in my little pink box. Recently, Gerred signed up for his own box (yes, there is now a Birchbox Men) wanting that same amount of grab bag surprise as well to help him with his own manly grooming routines. And when we opened his box up, he got some really great items that he got to try out for himself.

Jock Soap // Bloody Orange Body Bar // "This is not your everyday soap. It invigorates your morning routine with a burst of citrus. Plus, it contains coconut, palm, and safflower oils, so it won't dry out your skin like other soaps." - Gerred

Benta Berry // Super Moisturizing Face Cream // This moisturizer is a great non-greasy facial lotion that has a subdued clean smell.

Supersmile // Whitening System // "I'd be lying if I said my teeth weren't at least two shades whiter after using this product only a few times The sample kit was good, but for more feedback from people you know get the whole kit."- Gerred

CoSTUME NATIONAL // Scent Intense // Even though this cologne is called "Scent Intense," it's not really intense. It's a quiet scent with hints of amber, that just smells trustworthy and approachable.

Barking Irons // Brando Cut T-Shirt // He got a shirt. A whole shirt that normally costs $22. That's a steal really since Bircbox Men only costs $20 a month and he got 4 other products as well. The shirt is comfy, has a great cut, is American made, and is a great homage to Marlon Brando. Have your man wear this, and he'll definitely be a "contendor."

Interested in gifting or signing your man up for Birchbox Men? Go here and check it out and you may even want a Birchbox for yourself.

Shannon

August Birchbox

My August Birchbox will probably be one of the last boxes I see for awhile. I'm not stopping my membership with Birchbox, I'm just letting them accumulate in my room so that when I come back Christmas eve, it will feel as if they were a ton of gifts from past me to future me. It's a little silly, but I'm grooving with the idea. Anyways, this Birchbox of "Back to School" was a great send off for abroad since it prepared me with some great travel sized essentials to pack away.

1 & 2. Oribe // Shampoo for Beautiful Color and Conditioner for Beautiful Color // So far I've used all of this since I've been here, and it makes my hair smell and look like I just got back from the salon. I'm so pleased with it. What's great is that it smells like edelweiss flowers and definitely isn't stripping like the last sample of shampoo (Kelly Van Gogh Color Protecting Caviar Shampoo) I got from Birchbox. But, hey the whole point of Bircbox is to try products and see what works for you. Oribe worked for me.

3. Whish // Shave Crave Shaving Cream // I'm loving this shaving cream. It's sort of whipped cream rather than a foam. It smells like pomegranate and works so well with the Schick razor.

4. Jouer // Moisturizing Lip Gloss // Most of the time I stay away from glosses since they just dry my lips up and are sticky, but this stays and feels soft on my lips. The color "peony" isn't too overwhelming and blends well.

5. Juicy Couture // Viva La Juicy La Fleur // Sweet and fun, this perfume is sure to be great for the young teen crowd. This would be great for going to a sleepover or even to the mall with some friends. Essentially it is like wrapping your arms in cotton candy.

6. Schick // Hydro Silk Razor // So this is the Birchbox bonus and the razor is on the market for $10. With this only being a $10 box I feel like I'm definitely getting way more. Anyways, I think I might be switching from my intuition razor to this since it's moisturizing and a closer shave.

Interested in your own Birchbox? Sign up for one here for just $10 and free shipping.

Shannon

July Birchbox

It's Birchbox time again, and this time Birchbox teamed up with glamour to bring all five senses to life with some great trial sized beauty samples and lifestyle extras. So there's a little something to see, smell, feel, taste, and hear.

Birchbox Exclusive | Earbuds // These neon pink and green earphones are a great switch for the regular white ones and come with a pretty cool playlist "Getting Pretty."

Color Club | Blue-Ming // I love the color mint and it seems to be the only color I want on my nails recently. About a month ago I bought Sally Hansen's Mint Sorbet, and while that mint is a lighter and more subdued color, the Color Club Blue-Ming is bright and has a much bluer mint color to it.

Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner // I don't think I've ever had such luck with a liquid liner. It goes on quick, is smudge free, and is nice and dark. It's great for making cat eyes, to which I totally had my eyeliner winged out for the IMAX Batman Premiere.

Supergoop! | City Sunscreen Serum // This daily moisturizer has SPF 30+ with a PA+++ rating (top of the line.) This smells and feels more as sunscreen than a moisturizer, but is completely non-greasy. Love it.

Harvey Prince | Eau Flirt // With notes of pumpkin and lavender, this perfume is "not in your face with fragrance and doesn't smell like an old women" according to Gerred. "It's nice and mild."

Tea Forte | minteas // I've always had a battle with mint since it makes me sneeze (I have no idea why.) But these mints don't have that overpowering minty taste of wintergreen or spearmint, but of ginger pear instead. Ginger mints are not only great tasting, but are apparently supposed to help you focus.

On a side note, I opened July's box up with Gerred like we were sports casters. By the end he was interested in the entire concept and wanted to know if there was a Birchbox for Men. Which there is! Birchbox is trying out a new beta test which gives out man essentials (not make-up) like shaving essentials, face wash, cologne, and tech products. So we signed him up right after and he'll be getting his box next week.

So if you're interested in getting Birchbox for only $10 a month sign up for it or gift it to a friend here.

Shannon

June Birchbox

The June Birchbox is in and this month it's Jet Setter themed. Ah, how fitting! This time they've packed up the box with both worldly products as well as travel products to fit their theme. When I opened the box there was a "wow" with each product I picked up, so needless to say I'm in love.

Dr. Jart + Waterfuse BB Cream // Moisturizer + sunscreen + treatment all in one. Instead of sitting on your face it blends well and makes your skin feel 100 times better. Just apply a mineralized skinfinish afterward.

Joya Ames Soeurs Parfum - A Scent of Soulmates // I've mentioned this before, but I have a weird way of describing scents. A Scent of Soulmates smells like a old historic town (I'm picturing Ellicott City, MD) full of mysterious antique and boutique ashops. Notes of myrrh, frankincense, jasmine, and orange blossom.

Kelly Van Gogh Colour Protecting Caviar Shampoo & Conditioner // The shampoo was very stripping on my hair so I don't think I'd use this again.

Melvita Rose Floral Water // Spray this on your face before applying foundation and your face will feel instantly hydrated and smell especially floral. Apparently the Orange Blossom component of the spray evens out blotchiness too!

theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen // Works as a stain for both cheeks and lips, although I'd stick with the lips. This stain is great because it dries instantly, isn't sticky, and lasts forever. Plus it goes great with lip balm.

BAND-AID Cynthia Rowley Dress Up Band-Aids // The lifestyle Extra this month was like a specific target to my clumsiness. How my times do I trip or bump into something in a day that requires me to use a band-aid. Enough to want to keep a pack of band-aids with me at all times and having them be super fashionable doesn't hurt.

P.S. If you're interested in getting Birchbox for only $10 a month sign up for it or gift it to a friend here.

Shannon

May Birchbox

The May Birchbox came in the other day and this time it was Gossip Girl themed. Now, I don't watch Gossip Girl, but I will say that this box is certainly Gossip worthy.

1. fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF 15 - I love this lip balm and I already got two of these from Sephora for the Beauty Insider Free Birthday Gift. It's an amazing tinted lip balm and I'm happy to have another.

2. Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow - It's a tinted moisturizer that heals scars and blemishes and evens out skin tone as well. And what better, it's a sunscreen. The tint however is a little too dark for my skin tone but I'll cross our fingers and hope that the sun gods give me a tan.

3. BVLGA Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette Spray - This fragrance smells like fresh rainwater which makes it have a very relaxing, yet regal smell. If you tend to lean towards more traditional clean fragrances, then this is your perfume.

4. Kiehl's Abyssine Cream + - At this point I have a bunch of  moisturizers from Birchbox, but that doesn't stop me from trying new things. This Kiehl's formula is for anti-aging and while I'm only twenty, I still know that it's good to prevent crows feet form appearing on my face. But I've got to say, this moisturizer is wonderfully smooth and not greasy what so ever. Love it.

The bonus part of the box was a thank you card that read xoxo. It's super cute and I can't wait to send it out because I know I have a lot to be thankful for.

And as always, Birchbox is only a $10 monthly subscription that provides 4-5 travel sized samples and you can sign up for it or gift it to a friend here.

Shannon

April Birchbox

Guess what came in this week? The April Birchbox. The monthly gift to myself. I have to say this may just be my all time favorite box now. Yes, I think so.

 Because it was Earth Day (my birthday) themed with all the "green" products inside.

Befine Exfoliating Cleanser and Moisturizer

Gee, check how much "samples" I got. There is no perspective in this shot, but I will let you know that it is practically full size. I always like trying these exfoliators and moisturizers out. I was quite sold by the juice beauty cleanser (I use it every day)....and the Marine Cream and Ahava Moisturizer of before are always fun to swap around on occasion.

Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towlettes

This is actually a beauty extra which is usually like a fun little addition. Normally they've been small extras that just make me smile for the added detail like the heart shaped nail file or a delicious Larabar. Except this time there is an actual product that will certainly come in use. Maybe I'll remember to take my make-up off more with these since it's made with apple, blueberry, and lemon peel extracts.

Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder

I don't think you guys know how much I use hair powder. I usually use Shower to Shower and it works well for next day hair or just greasy hair in general. But this smells so much better (hello, lavender and sage) and my hair has a ton more volume than it usually does.

 Zoya True Spring Collection

Here's my second nail polish I've received from Birchbox. This color seems a lot more natural than the Color Club Jackie Oh! from last month's box. This would be great neutral to go along with a lime or mint green.

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift

Now I love Taylor Swift, she's a great role model, gorgeous, and a wonderful singer. However, I'd really not like to associate this fragrance with her. Instead I'd say it smells like purple tylenol. It has this weird grape scent that's just off putting. But hey, perfume is different for everyone. My cousin Kara loves this scent. So to each their own.

Seriously though, check out all this great stuff I got. And it was only $10 a month with free shipping, if you want you're own or want to gift it to a friend you can sign up here.

Shannon

March Birchbox

After returning from Spring Break I finally was able to pick up my March Birchbox from the mailroom. It was like a special incentive for me to come back to college and definitely cheered me up on my return.

Look at all the awesome swag I got! This Birchbox was full with six great sizable finds.

The little package details get me every time. The card is talking about the online Birchbox Magazine that comes with each box. It's great for how to's on the product you're using. 

Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien

I am in love with this French fragrance. The citrus hints make the perfume a definite warmer weather scent. This scent may just have become my all time favorite scent. 

AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer, Normal to Dry

Meant for dry sensitive skin this day moisturizer is certainly nourishing. It's a little more oily than I'd like in a moisturizer, but with dry skin it's nice to add a bit of oil. However, I'd stick with the Clark's Smoothing Marine Cream from the Janurary Birchbox before picking up a full size of this.

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser

This cleanser works like a charm! It doesn't irritate skin and is completely organic since it's made of cherry, lemon, and aloe. I definitely recommend this because it's hard to come by non-irritating clensers for dry sensitive skin. After I'm done using the Juice Beauty cleanser I try to use the Dermalogica Daily Microfiliant from February's Birchbox since I have a full bottle sample. My skin feels so soft.

Color Club Nail Lacquer in Jackie Oh!

Jackie Oh! is a great neon pink for Spring. The Color Club's neon collection is named after different iconic things from the 1960s, so obviously style icon/ first lady, Jackie O, was chosen. I was afraid at first the color would look weird against my pale skin (as most nail polishs do,) but the color definitely worked and gave my hands a much needed Spring pop and a few compliments around campus.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

Great for second day hair, just dab a little though and you've got a nice dry shampoo. My hair feels so good I might be addicted.

Tea Forte Skin-Smart Teas

March's lifestyle extra is perfect duo of a treat and skincare in one. You simply drink the delicious tea and then when the tea is on you place the tea bag on your eyelids. I've only tried Cherry Marzipan so far and it really tastes like almonds.

Remember you can sign up for Birchbox too for only $10 a month.

Shannon

February Birchbox

My second Birchbox came in the mail for February in a very valentines pink box! When I opened my box it definitely felt like a wonderful Valentines gift to myself! And the pink didn't just stop with the outside, it carried onto the contents as well.

Beauty Blender

It's pink. It's squishy. I'm in love.

It's soft on my skin, but I think I like my airbrush foundation brush still.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

It's a powder face wash! I've never heard of a powder wash before and though it's difficult to mix the powder and the water it works. My skin feels really smooth afterwards and sort of smells like Sprite? 

Eye Rock Designer Liner

Well these are bizarre...but I really wanted to try them. So I did. They look like I just took a sticker and popped it on my eye. They don't stay well and it shows up close, but from afar they look sort of cool. These are also meant to be quick and easy since they were invented during fashion week to save time, but it takes a lot longer to put these on than it does to simply apply the make up. Aside from that there is a ton of drama in this and I feel like Adele when I wear them...a cheap Adele.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

For some reason I feel like the Birchbox team knows what I'm running low on or really want to try and just packs it up in my box because this is just what I needed. I've been wanting to try a more moisturizing foundation then the one I have. And although it is a moisturizing tint, I'd still use moisturizer along with it. Better yet this won Allure magazine's Best in Beauty.

Lifestyle Extras

Nail File

It's a cute nail file heart. This is a great detail.

Digital Download of Green River Ordinance

Birchbox decided to share this band, Green River Oridnance. They're a Texan band with a sort of country-bluegrass-pop feel. It's a nice change a pace to my usual music so I appreciate this new music discovery. Here's a song of theirs for you to listen to as well.

Loved my box. If you want to gift the box for valentines day for a special someone or for yourself, it's only $10 a month with free shipping. It makes my month.

Shannon

January Birchbox

I finally got my bright pink Birchbox in the mail! Some of you are probably thinking "what's a  Birchbox?" Birchbox is this company that puts together boxes each month of 4-5 samples of high end beauty products (tailored to your eyes, skin, hair etc.) and ships them to you for $10 a month, free shipping. $10 may seem a lot, but it's really a steal for the quantity and quality of the items.

Now to share my own Birchbox experience with you all. Let's just say I've been waiting forever to open this. So when I saw the pink letters outside the box I felt like it was Christmas once again. The packaging was cute and girly, and the attention to detail with the pink wrapping paper was a nice touch.

Inside I had all these goodies awaiting me to try!

Juicy Couture's signature fragrance Juicy Couture

I tried this out and it smells like when you go into a department store and accidentally walk through the perfume area. It's overwhelmingly strong, floral, and has a hint of an elderly woman's house filled with victorian furniture. I know, I have a strange way of describing scents and tastes. But hey, I was glad I got to sample this myself instead of buying the $85 full size bottle and then realizing, "Hey, I don't want to smell like a doily." I did however give this to Sarah because she is a strong women who likes victorian furniture and flowers.

Archipelago Pomegranate Body Soap

This soap is a triple mill soap. I didn't know what that meant and obviously I looked it up. Apparently, triple mill soap is a luxury soap that lasts longer than the average commercial soap. And fun fact, the process of milling the soap through a press was invented by the French in the 1700s. I'm a pomegranate fan, but there is another non-pomegranate smell that is just a little strange in this. I tried the soap out this morning and found it was like using cheap hotel soap. My skin felt so tight afterwards. People with already moisture filled skin might like it, but I need that moisture. I'll let my mom try it out to see what she thinks.

Larabar

The fun lifestyle extra that Birchbox added was this little Larabar. So glad they added it. The carrot cake flavor is delicious, natural, and healthy. Perfect between classes.

Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream

Aha, didn't I say I needed a moisturizer. Well, I really do, I ran out of my Sephora Instant Moisturizer and need a new one. This is smooth, non-greasy, and absorbs well into the skin. It's made with jasmine absolute and smells like opening up the windows to let an almost spring day in. Putting on the cream is great because it isn't freezing and it doesn't instantly tug on my face. So happy.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Blue Ribbon

THIS. Ah, I've always been looking for a good eye liner and have never really found one I liked this much. I mean, it's better than MAC Technakohl Liner. It glides right on like a gel and is bold enough. I think this color looks best on my top lids though. This sample got me hooked in one swipe and now it's added to my "to try make-up" list.

I'm seriously pleased with my first Birchbox. I got to try a lot of neat cosmetics I've been thinking about trying for a long time and can't wait until February 12th when the next box comes in. The best part is that I don't have to buy the full bottle of something I can try it out first. I mean, 3/5 worked for me. Different things work out for different people, so if it doesn't jive with you give it to a friend or family member that might. If you want to try Birchbox too, you can get your own here!

Shannon