Tag Archives: Beauty

Birchbox Review | April

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An account of how the latest and greatest in beauty and lifestyle products made my April feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Here’s the breakdown…

#1. GUYandGIRL Shower Gel | Admittedly, I like the concept here. Essentially, it’s a comprise between the battle of the sexes…in the shower! This paraben-free body wash is designed to appeal to those of either gender persuasion. No longer will guys staying at their girlfriend’s place smell like strawberries, and girls staying at their boyfriend’s smell like Old Spice. And yet, GUYandGIRL Shower Gel isn’t quite the answer in my book. I found the supposed gender neutral scent to still resonate a more masculine aura, not balancing enough for the feminine. Add in the $25 price tag and this is a no-go. I look forward to finishing the sample and might even share with it my boyfriend, but that would be the end of my relationship with this particular product. Perhaps I’m a girl who just likes to smell like a girl…and doesn’t want to compromise.

 Overall: Love the idea. Not a fan of the scent. Hate the cost. Pass.

#2. Color Club Gala’s Gems Collection  | I can remember a time when a red nail polish was simply labeled “Red.” Nowadays, it’s “Sexy Vixen.” I think I get more of a kick out of the naming of nail polish, more than the actual shade. It just sounds more fun to say “I’m wearing ‘Two Hour Lunch'” when someone asks what color your pink nails are. Luckily, Color Club Gala’s Gem Collection in “Gold Struck” was more than just a fancy name. The soft gold shade is rather opaque, settling into a nice pearl-like metallic finish. What is nice about this particular product is that I found you really only need one coat for it completely fill your nails, but best practice is always two. Oftentimes, lighter shades take multiple coats to really look right and this simply wasn’t the case here. My one criticism, likely due to the opaque quality of such a light shade, was that the polish itself was really thick and not the easiest of applications. My advice (and what I intend to do) would be to add just a tiny drop of nail polish remover to thin out the formula some. This is a great shade for open-toed shoe weather!

Overall: Love the shade. Would find something similar in another brand, with a smoother application.

#3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel | This a case of “Ooh! I’m feeling a little VIP” when I saw this Anastasia of Beverly Hills-branded brow gel. Anyone that follows the beauty circuit knows that Anastasia is THE go-to gal for getting your brows done in Hollywood. As such, this was a great opportunity to see what all the hype is about for us little people to get a taste of how the other side lives, minus the actual brow shaping appointment. Currently, I use Maybelline’s Great Lash Clear Mascara to tame and shape my eyebrows, which costs under $5 for a well-sized .44oz tube. Anastasia’s is a little more than half the size of the Maybelline, at .28oz for $22. But gosh darn it, I really did like this brow gel. What often bugs me about the Maybelline formula is that if you’re not careful to remove the excess before application, there’s often too much product on the wand and it goops in your eyebrows. The design of Anastasia’s wand seems to come out with just the right amount of product to be applied quickly and effectively. It’s also formulated with conditioners and oils keeping your brows in place without harsh chemicals.

Overall: Do. If you can get behind the cost.

#4. KIND Healthy Grain Bars | Typically, I’m a huge fan of Kind Bars. Their philosophy of using all-natural ingredients promoting the “kind thing” not only for your body, but for the planet is definite a plus. They’re a great on-the-go snack, convenient to carry in your bag, and you somehow just feel great about eating something not only healthy, but simply “kind.” Unfortunately, the flavor I sampled wouldn’t be something I would ever purchase. The Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt bar had a great taste at first bite, then the saltiness would hit and completely ruin the flavor. I cringed while eating it because it was too salty for my taste. This is not for me.

Overall: Pass (on this flavor).

#5. Davines OI / Shampoo & Conditioner | I’m already a Davines fan when it comes to hair care, recently listing their Love Smoothing shampoo and conditioner as one of my all-time favorite Birchbox products! However, I’m on the fence, simply not as crazy about their “OI” line. I loved the texture and how my hair felt as I worked the product into my hair. It instantly made my hair feel soft and hydrated. And not to brag, I’ve been having a really good hair week. Where the OI line loses me is with the scent. It’s just not at all feminine or pleasant in my opinion. Suffice to say, I’m a huge fan of smelling nice. Somehow, it makes me feel even cleaner and more refreshed. The only reason I’m on the fence about this product is because I’ve been mulling over this question: should one focus on effectiveness /results over scent? I think I just might be stingy and require both.

Overall: A great product, if you can get past the scent (and the price tag). I’d suggest their  Love Smoothing Shampoo & Smoothing Conditioner instead.

 Join the Birchbox fun if you dare! Pick up your subscription here:

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(I’m not affiliated with Birchbox outside of just being a fan…with an opinion.)

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Birchbox Review | March

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Heads up, we’re heading into slightly darker territory today on All That Glitters. My Birchbox review for March won’t be so positive. In fact, I can describe it in three words: pretty darn disappointing. I think this is one of the worst Birchboxes I’ve ever gotten. While there are products that rate well individually (and really only 2), the fact that I’m seeing near duplicate samples month after month, where the only distinction is that it is from a different brand, is quite frustrating. Let me preface that I understand we only have one face and one body. Realistically, there’s only so much cream, liner, and color you can apply to yourself on any given day. There are tons of products targeting only a select few areas on the human body. As such, it’s expected to see similar products…under certain circumstances. For example, I expect to see things like lipsticks and nail polishes more often than not, but I also expect not to get them in the exact same shade every month. I mean, do you know how many colors there are in the world?

So outside this contention, underwhelming products overall, and terrible sample sizes – March was a total miss, unfortunately.

Here’s the breakdown…

#1. Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion | This Gilchrist & Soames lotion epitomizes luxury. It has a subtly refreshing scent that pleasantly melts into the skin, leaving it thoroughly moisturized. On a personal level, I quite like it. On a larger level, this is the 3rd month in a row that I’ve received a lotion-type sample in my Birchbox. While the skin is the largest organ and needs much attention when it comes to hydration – it’s slightly disappointing and uninspiring to start seeing near similar products arrive months in a row. I only have so much skin. However, I shouldn’t hold this against the review of the actual product either. In the name of objectivity, this lotion is impressive. It’s a bit pricey (saying “a bit” is a stretch) at $16.00 for a mere 8 ounces. Given that this is a body lotion, one would get through it much faster than, say, a bottle of St. Ives (which does the trick just as nicely at 75% less in cost and almost 3 times the amount of product). This is clearly a case where you’re paying for the brand and the experience of having that brand’s name on your bathroom counter at home. Gilchrist & Soames is used widely in exclusive spas and hotels around the world. Admittedly, it also uses high-quality ingredients, while supporting an eco-friendly footprint for the environment, reasonable reasons for its higher price point as well.

Overall: A nice choice if you can get behind the cost. I’m going to pass.

(And P.S.: If I keep receiving lotions month-after-month, consecutively, this may be grounds for cancellation. Get it together, Birchbox. I still love you though.)

#2. Keims Cleanshine Energizing Shampoo  | The most disappointing product of the month was this “energizing” shampoo from Keims. Let’s just say, I felt anything but energized after using it. Perhaps I’m a sucker for chemical-induced lathering because I’ve been brainwashed by the hair industry to believe that just because something lathers, it’s doing its job more effectively. What was the most generous-sized sample of the month was also half gone after just one use. I couldn’t get this shampoo to really lather, no matter how much I tried. I didn’t feel it was doing anything much despite the lack of soapiness, and was hugely bothered by the fact that it had a non-discerning scent. You’d think something as playfully (and deliciously) labeled “peppermint & macadamia” would at the very least make a splash on the scent front in the shower. Furthermore, I didn’t like the way my hair felt as I worked the product into my scalp. Naturally, I have very dry hair (being of American American descent) and it’s of the utmost importance that I feel hydration when using a shampoo. Simply put – I used this product, rinsed it out for said reasons mentioned, and promptly re-washed my hair with my go-to Aussie Moist Shampoo. Problem solved.

Overall: Pass.

#3. Jurlique Purely Bright Radiance Serum | I just love saying the name, “Jurlique.” It reeks of elegance and class and rolls off the tongue in such a sexy manner. Unfortunately, I can’t say it did much else for me. I very much enjoyed the scent and the texture of this light serum, but didn’t necessarily see a drastic improvement in my skin. I wouldn’t say it was very moisturizing either. The caveat when using skin products that tout “radiance” often take weeks before physically seeing results, if there are any. As such, I can’t say that I was at all impressed. Perhaps this product would work better applying just before another more potent moisturizer in my situation. At $58 full-sized, I’m not inspired to go any further with the serum at this time. And though I’ll finish the sample, my skin should always feel well-hydrated after use. I don’t care how much it costs. I’d suggest using a back-up form of moisturizer if you have drier skin while using this product.

Overall: Pass.

#4. INIKA Certified Organic Eye Liner | The first word that came to mind when I unearthed this pencil out of the box was, “genius!” It’s not much, but to have an actual pencil sharpener conveniently located on the liner in cap form is not only practical, but clever. Never again will you have to dig through your make-up bag to find a sharpener when your eyeliner needs to be sharpened. I can’t be the only one who grunts in frustration the moment you need a pencil sharpener and can’t readily find it? (Bueller?) Aside from this nifty function, the liner itself is not too shabby. I received the eclectic “Green Lagoon” color and found the iridescent factor gave it a unique glow.  The color is not something I would have naturally gone for, but it brought a pop to my eyes as well as a change of pace. I liked it! Where this liner is on the weaker side is in longevity. Sure, the color was still there, but not nearly as strongly as when I’d first applied. Points for it still showing up though. And bonus points for the essential oil and plant-based ingredients making this liner natural and easy to apply.

Overall: Is it wrong to like this more for the gimmick of the sharpener attachment, than for the liner itself? It’s not a bad liner and the whole organic aspect helps. I’d spend $20 on this liner, but in a more everyday wearable shade. Bright green eyeliner works, just not daily.

#5. Ghirardelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango | Hey, it’s chocolate. What more is there to say!?!

Overall: Win. Win.

#6. Jurlique Purely Bright Cleanser | Complaint #3 this month (outside similar and under-performing products) is sample sizes. Look, I get that Birchbox is designed to introduce you to, then sell you high-end beauty products. However, I have a huge problem when receiving sample sizes so small that I can’t get a real read or feel for them. This Jurlique sample might as well not have come at all. I barely got 1.5 uses out of this cleanser and the sad thing is that I liked what I did use. It had a luxurious, creamy texture, an enticing scent, and the fine exfoliating beads were a pleasant addition when washing my face. Again, I surely won’t be detecting any “radiance” or new-found “brightness” after 1.5 uses so I can’t comment on that aspect. I must admit that even after such a pitiful excuse for a sample, my skin felt clean and rejuvenated at the very least. However, this stuff is $28 full-sized. In an ideal world, I would like to use it at minimum 3-5 days before committing to spending this much money on a cleanser. This is pretty crucial in such a competitive section of the beauty market. Do you know how many facial cleansers there are in the world?

Overall: Pitiful sample size = not happy. A pretty positive experience despite said pitiful sample size. I’ll pass on principle alone.

 

Many month’s are fantastic, some not-so-much. This was a not-so-much month.

Join the Birchbox fun if you dare! Pick up your subscription here:

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(I’m not affiliated with Birchbox outside of just being a fan…with an opinion.)

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You Can’t Eat Beauty

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Believe it or not, I can remember a time before the introduction of that little thing we call “the internet” made its way into the common household. I can’t even imagine what life would be like today if I couldn’t simply jump on-line to stay in touch with friends near and far with a simple Facebook “like,” email, or Google Hangouts session; check traffic to plan my way around town; catch-up on current events; pay a bill; peruse the blogosphere; or find nothing less than inspiration (overload) on Pinterest.

What has to be one of the most powerful things about the world wide web as I see it, is not only the ease of accessing any bit of information with the click of a mouse, but how we can share wisdom, what we’ve learned as we navigate through our days, never knowing how our message impacts those who find it in cyberspace.

On a rather ordinary Monday evening, I stumbled across this video in my Facebook news-feed of a recent speech from Lupita Nyong’o at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon as she accepted an award for Best Breakthrough Performance. As I’d come to expect since following her career, I was prepared to hear her speak eloquently and thoughtfully. But THIS, I did not expect. Her take on how she’s learned to find beauty in herself in a world that traditionally celebrates pale skin and light eyes, floored me.

I’ve watched this video at least 4 different times now and it gets me every single time. I’ve shared it on Facebook, Twitter, and decided to dedicate some space on my blog today to spread the word on what has to be one the most poignant, profound, yet simple messages I’ve ever heard on the subject of beauty.

I can’t stop thinking about it.

Of course, we all want to look and feel our best. Essentially, we just want to be our best. And I don’t personally think that there’s anything wrong with that. However, the pressure to fit into a mold is where we need to learn to draw the line. Eight words from her mother and years spent reflecting on them before she found her way, was all it took. Lupita shares her story in the short clip below.

It’s moments like this that make that little thing we call “the internet” more than just a tool to make the day-to-day easier or a source for staying connected while equally creating disconnection. It’s moment’s like this that make the world wide web not such a big place after all.

“You can’t eat beauty. It doesn’t feed you.”

Birchbox February | Happy Anniversary

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Happy Birchbox Anniversary to me!

It’s been one year since I started experimenting with the latest and greatest in beauty and lifestyle products (then started blogging about them!). It’s been quite a ride and I have to admit, while it’s been a hit or miss experience when it comes to the products themselves, I still love the monthly surprises in my mailbox. Birchbox has introduced me to some pretty amazing products that use I regularly, while also teaching me that just because something is considered “high-end” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any better than the stuff you can get at your local drugstore for half the cost.

(Shhh!) Between you and me, I’m considering the idea of exploring another monthly box service. Not that I’m dissatisfied with Birchbox, because I’m not, but given how the market is now flooding with new options and new approaches toward discovering beauty products, it might be time to try something different. I’ll dedicate a well-researched post in the near future to share my findings with a succinct listing of what’s out there, along with the pros and cons of each, where I’ll then announce my final decision.

Until then…here’s how February shaped up!

Product reviews are from left to right.

Agave Healing Oil Treatment  | Whenever a product uses the words “agave” and “healing” in the same sentence somehow I instantly feel like I’m doing something completely natural and completely right for myself. Perhaps I’ve been brainwashed by the marketing industry to “trust” a product more. I was admittedly excited about this hair oil. The hard part is that the sample wasn’t very generous, so I used the whole pack in one sitting and this may be a product where you see better results the more you use it. What I loved about this treatment was the sweet fragrance along with the smooth texture of the oil. I can’t say with conviction that this did anything other than make detangling my hair much easier, which is a huge compliment for my kinkier hair texture. And as I write this, my hair has a nice bounce to it (then again that could just be because it’s totally clean at moment). However, at $24 full-sized, I’m can’t say I’m convinced to experiment with this product any further.

Overall: I’m indifferent.

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara  | I officially became a mascara snob last fall when a friend recommended Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara to me when I was on the prowl for a new go-to mascara. Since then, my search for the perfect mascara was O.V.E.R. While anything with the name Smashbox associated with it on the beauty front is no joke – I was skeptical if this could top the instant “wow” impression that They’re Real did and still does. And I was right. While this paraben-free formula isn’t a terrible mascara by any means, I was instantly turned off by the brush which was so thick that it always left a total mess on my eyelids no matter how delicately I tried to apply it. The good news is that this isn’t a problem when you use an eyeliner, otherwise if you want simple mascara-only drama or to use it after you’ve already expertly applied eye shadow (sans liner), this was a disappointment. It always needed an extra eyelid clean-up after use. And even after applying several coats, I never quite got the volume that I do with Benefit’s mascara. Essentially, between the wand and the formula, this isn’t something I’d readily jump out and buy. I like control when applying mascara and didn’t feel like I had it here. I look forward to using the sample, but will stick with what’s working.

Overall: If you want the best mascara ever – Benefit’s They’re Real is your answer. I promise.

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette | Admittedly, I was bummed at how Smashbox chose to share their eye shadow palette sample by placing a not so generous amount of product on a card. I mean, come on! This is SMASHBOX COSMETICS – you guys can do better.  If cost was an issue, I would’ve preferred less shades options and more product in a sample-sized pot so that I could really explore application with the colors. Okay, now that that’s out of the way…What was unique about this sample was that they chose to share the same shades in both a matte and shimmer finish. I experimented with the shimmer finish for the most part to build a more dramatic eye and had a pretty positive experience overall. I will say that it felt like the shimmer lasted longer than the actual color pigment in some of the shades, which is not ideal. I recently used my Birchbox points to score this full-sized eye shadow palette from Coastal Scents and I’m very happy with it. I might have more to say if Smashbox gave us more to work with, but since I’m not in the market for a new palette – it’s a pass.

Overall: Pass. Go for the Coastal Scents Palette if you’re looking for as many as 88 options! FYI – it’s cheaper on their website. I was pissed to see Birchbox charge $40.00 for something that’s selling for $25.00 on their site. Granted, Coastal Scents does charge for shipping and Birchbox ships for free – it may not be too much of a difference. Given that I used my points, it lessened the sting, but didn’t make me happy at all when I first caught this.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish | As hypocritical as it may sound since I’m a huge believer in “All That Glitters” – my experience with this glittery nail polish is bittersweet. On the one hand, I love the idea of a little sparkle on my nails, but on the other – it’s always so annoying to work with glitter anything. My first attempt at using this nail polish was a total fail. Take one: I polished my toes in Sexy Silhouette (don’t you just love the names of nail polishes now-a-days) and got creative and used this gold glitter nail polish over it for every single nail. TOTAL DISASTER. I don’t blame the polish, just a moment of poor judgement on my end. Take two: I polished my nails a very subtle gold color and used this gold glitter nail polish as an accent on one nail. MUCH better. My thoughts on this polish, however, are dual. I love the look (when done right) but HATE that it takes FOREVER to remove glitter nail polish. On top of that, this formula takes a few applications to look right and at that point becomes so thick it’s complicated to work with. As for the “changing” color aspect, I did notice the bottle change to a more reddish color when doing my outside photo shoot for the picture above, otherwise I can’t say I noticed it changing color in the sun too much (maybe I need to stare at my nails more outdoors). Either way, this is rather gimmicky to me and not really necessary. I’ll enjoy the sample on occasion, but don’t have any plans to make a full-sized purchase. The sample would last me awhile anyway (ahem, Smashbox!) when I am looking to add a bit of bling on my nails. In between those times, there are other ways to enjoy some sparkle in my life.

Overall: Eh. It’s fun, but I would want to experiment with a different brand to find something easier to work with.

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{Sneak peek at “take two.”}

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy | Holy awesome hand lotion! I feel like I’m always reviewing lotions in my Birchbox, but this one has to be, by far, the best yet. What I immediately noticed about Camille Beckman’s hand lotion in Morelia Monarch was its amazing texture – unbelievably smooth and creamy without a stitch of greasiness from the moment of application. You don’t have to wait a few minutes before any lingering residue absorbs into the skin as you might have to with many lotions on the market. I was also instantly struck by its subtle scent – notes of vanilla, amber, and green tea. Your hands feel incredibly moisturized and silky to the touch. At $15, it is an expense over what I’d normally grab just to keep in my pursue, but one that I’m willing to overlook in this case. Your hands are in for a treat.

Overall: Worth it…if you don’t mind the splurge.

anniversary!

Join the Birchbox fun! Pick up your subscription with this link:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/ATG

(I’m not affiliated with Birchbox outside of just being a fan.)

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Birchbox Review | January

Posted in Beauty by

birchbox january ATG

How the latest and greatest in beauty made my January feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Product reviews are from left to right.

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Crème | I’m rather picky about what I use in my hair, and have found over the years to usually stick with what works for me. There have been very few new products that I’ve introduced to my hair care routine over the last 4 years – though I’m willing to experiment courtesy of my Birchbox subscription, of course. Not surprisingly, my philosophy to stick with what works applies here. In a nutshell, Fekkai’s Brilliant Glossing Crème did absolutely nothing for me. I found it to be unimpressive when I used the “pea-sized” amount as directed on damp hair. Nothing. The next time I increased the amount of product thinking perhaps my naturally drier and kinkier hair texture might require a higher dosage. That time it came out greasy. Add in that this is not at all pleasantly scented, is $20 full-sized, and my constant bafflement at specifically how this product did anything positive for my strands, and unfortunately, I was done.

Overall: It’s a pass.

Burt’s Bees® Intense Hydration Day Lotion with Clary Sage | My skin is naturally pretty dry and during the winter months can be so dehydrated that it cracks to the point that I channel the likes of a corpse.  So as I sat down to type this post, I slathered some on yet again, and feel confident that Burt’s Bees is on to something with their “Intense Hydration Day Lotion.” It has a thick, creamy texture that’s rather divine when you spread it over really dry skin, immediately providing much-needed moisture and relief. What I don’t particularly care for is the slight greasy feeling your hands submit to as the product works its way into your skin; and while I know that this means less chemicals in its 99% “natural formula,” I wish this had a more appealing scent. Either way, this product means business on the hydration front, and if you suffer from corpse-like skin during the dead of winter, here’s some serious help to bring it back to life.

Overall:  It’s a do.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips | It’s juvenile, I know – but couldn’t we have found a not so distracting name for our product here? Okay, so we discovered something that worked well for nursing mothers for multiple purposes, but there’s something somewhat comical when you’re out and about and need a chapped-lipped fix and your friend asks, “what’s that?” and you casually announce, “nipple balm.”  Bonus points for memorable branding, I suppose. The interesting thing is that this product is really great for chapped lips and has staying power. It has a slightly more liquid feel to it so it’s easier to apply, but in essence channels Vaseline if you ask me. I’ll enjoy the sample and all the perks of what a little nipple balm can do, but I’m not convinced it’s worth making a full-sized purchase. Perhaps as I make my way through the sample, I’ll have a change of heart though I’m not a fan of spending $14.50 on something like this. I’m still pretty content with the simple and much more affordable Chapstick sample Birchbox sent me a few months ago.

Overall: Use Vaseline…or Chapstick.

Nail Rock | I’m a huge fan of what’s happening in the mani/pedi world: playful colors, patterns, and super fun embellishments usually get me to break out my “Ooh, I LOVE it!” face. I just don’t think the textured nail movement is a trend that I can get behind. Nail Rock was my introduction. Let me explain. You polish your nails as you normally would and dip the wet nail bed into the nail velvet and let dry. I knew minutes after applying the texture that this wasn’t for me. The 3D-inspired pop of velvet looked like I’d smashed cotton balls on my nails beds. It was a bit ridiculous. I learned that Nail Rock uses glitter textures as well and I would’ve preferred a sample using that feature instead. The sad thing was that while I loved the deep purple color (perfect for winter), the consistency of the nail polish is lacking so I don’t think I could use it alone without experiencing mild frustration. You need like 4 coats before it finally starts to look like a solidly painted nail. This is likely because it’s designed for you to dip the polish into the velvet which would hide the “watery” look underneath acting more as a filler.

Overall: Velvet textured nails are too gimmicky. It’s a pass.

Juicy Couture – Viva La Juicy | One spritz of Juicy Couture’s “Viva La Juicy“ and you instantly feel a little more flirty. Its subtle mix of florals, fruits, and sweet undertones cultivate a vibe of playful femininity. It is an expense at $90 full-sized, so while I’ll certainly enjoy the sample, I don’t have any plans to purchase it. The fragrance market is flooded with a plethora of options at half the cost. It’s a shame because this is a winner. If you’re looking for an amazing everyday scent at a more resonable price point, I’d recommend Harvey Prince’s “Hello.” It’s officially my new favorite.

Overall: It’s a do…if you can afford it.

How did your first Birchbox of 2014 work for you? I’d love your feedback in the comments section below.

If you’re not a member, join the Birchbox fun! Pick up your subscription here:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/ATG

(I’m not affiliated with Birchbox outside of being a loyal fan.)

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Birchbox Review | December

Posted in Beauty by

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How the latest and greatest in beauty made my December feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Product reviews are from left to right, top to bottom.

Harvey Prince Hello Perfume | What an inspired and truly appropriate name for this new Harvey Prince fragrance. It’s light, refreshing, and with a spritz instantly channels pure sunshine. It’s like literally saying “hello” to those you come into contact with all day long without saying a word. By far, this was my favorite sample of the month. However, I would say its playful scent is better suited during warm, sunny seasons – perfect for spring and summer. I was a bit shocked to see such a citrus-y and floral scent in my box during the dead of winter. Certainly not anything to get too bent up over, but I wish Birchbox would curate their products to be more streamlined and thematic to the time of year. At $55 full-sized, it’s not incredibly expensive and is something I look forward to adding to my fragrance collection. So instead of saying “Hello” – let this perfume do if for you! It’s an A+.

Manna Kadar Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion |  I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this product when I turned to this sample. So, I read the description and got clear quickly. It’s essentially a pink lotion that sparkles when applied to body and face. I rubbed a bit on my hands and was instantly thrown off that it had absolutely no scent. A body lotion, with no scent? Hmm. While the shimmer on my hands was nice, I thought this would be best served for its main purpose as a highlighter for your face. Now this aspect to the Manna Kadar’s Shimmer Lotion was great. I loved the subtle sparkle to my cheeks over Christmas dinner….and then I my skin broke out. Since I’ve been using the same products on my face without this problem in recent times, I can with some degree of certainty (outside of maybe one too many sugar cookies over Christmas?) blame this product. That means, no go for me. I won’t even risk trying it again to be certain that it caused the breakout (I’m that anal about my skin) – but let’s just say my cheeks were the main area of the breakout, which is exactly where I had applied this product.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24-Hour Miracle Cream)  | I don’t know if I’d call this a “miracle cream,” but it made my skin happy.  When my face had recovered from the Manna Kadar Shimmer Lotion disaster – I did try this cream and was impressed with the amount of moisture it supplied. My skin can get a bit drier during the winter and I need something a little stronger. This product is light with great coverage, yet doesn’t leave your skin greasy after application. I’ve been happily using the same Murad moisturizer for years now, and while I’ve been rethinking a new moisturizer due to cost, I don’t think this product would make the cut. It’s still quite expensive and you don’t get much of it in the full-sized version at 75ml. I’ll keep looking.

Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hairspray | Admittedly, this came in handy over my holiday travels! It was the perfect size sample to take on the road. And this hairspray was rather admirable in performance. It did a great job of maintaining my hairstyle without flakiness. The caveat is that this hairspray is also good for the environment, hence also the non-aerosol properties, along with being free of sulfates and parabens. This product would be nice for someone who dislikes aerosol sprays and harsh chemicals, while making the world a healthier place. Forgive me in advance, and not to offend my earth friendly readers; but at $30 full-sized, I’ll stick with my favorite L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray at half the cost and twice the amount of hairspray. I’ll find another way to contribute to a greener world.

Twistband™ Hair Tie | I don’t quite understand the”Twistband” trend. While I love that these are designed to give a supportive hold without leaving that annoying crease where your ponytail sat (they do work in this respect!) – these look rather cheaply made to me (i.e. the “knot” to close the band is near criminal). But for the sake of review – I did use this hair tie quite extensively over the holidays and after about 2 weeks of use on and off, it looks worn out already. $12 for pack? No thanks. 

Join the Birchbox fun! It’s a great way to start a new year – with a little gift of surprises to yourself every single month.

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Birchbox Review | November

Posted in Beauty by

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How the latest and greatest in beauty made my November feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Product reviews are from left to right.

DDF® Amplifying Elixir | When I saw DDF in my box, I got a little more than excited based purely on reputation alone. Wow, the DDF. In my Birchbox. Turns out, there wasn’t too much get excited about. My first stint with the famous DDF brand was experimenting with their Amplifying Elixir used after cleansing and just before moisturizing. The product touts that it “transforms skin, boosting its natural moisture barrier up to 50%” (whatever that means!). To give it some credit, this may be a product that takes frequent use over a period of time to really notice anything happening, but I wasn’t impressed. It burns upon application and makes my skin feel a bit sticky. This product retails for $70. For that cost, I should be more assured by now. This is a pass. Just use a good moisturizer and you’ll be fine!

Tiossan Body Cream | This is a really nice body cream.  I received it in the “Terranga” scent, which I wasn’t too crazy about at first use, but decided it wasn’t too  bad after all. It has a great texture and went on silky smooth without any residual greasiness (don’t you just hate that in a lotion!?!). The reason I’ll stop writing any further about this product is that it’s $38.00 for the full size. Mind you, full-sized is a mere 6.5 oz. No body cream is worth all that, unless it’s made of gold.

theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac | This did absolutely nothing for me. Aside from the fact that I’m really over “lip/cheek stain combo” products in general because they never seem to work with my skin tone – I didn’t like the way the product felt upon application nor the shade I received, “Beauty Queen.” It didn’t show up on my lips very well and when I went back to look at my lips mere minutes later after several layers of applications, what did faintly show up 5 minutes before was gone. Perhaps this would work better on a gal with very fair skin; but if you have some color to your skin, like myself, skip this product. It’s worthless.

Color Club® Harlem Lights Collection | If you recall, from my very first review of Color Club’s nail polish, I’m a fan. I continue to share this sentiment as I’ve begun experimenting with their “Baldwin Blues” shade in their Harlem Lights Collection. It’s my first time playing with dark blue nails, and I’ve been having too much fun with this color! A huge perk worth noting? This polish was on for almost a week before I noticed my first chip!

Folle de Joie eau de parfum | Folle de Joie which means “Crazy With Joy” in French makes me happy just thinking about the name. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something unique about this scent. It’s light, fresh, floral, but citrus-y. I was surprised this product came in my Birchbox so late in the year. I know Birchbox’s aim when curating samples is to think about season and themes when selecting products. This fragrance, although okay year-round, would pair nicely with Spring and Summer. I think a bit more drama is necessary in fragrances as we approach winter. As much I like the sample and will contiue to enjoy it, this product retails for $98. There are too many other exciting fragrances on the market to justify the nearly $100 cost at this time. Either way, it makes me crazy with joy!

Ahmad Assorted Teas | What was right on time and themed appropriately to the chilly temperatures developing outside was Ahmad’s tea assortment. As of writing time, I’ve only sampled the English Breakfast and no complaints here.  I found the sample flavorful and bold. I’m anxious to try the Black Raspberry next. In fact, tonight might be the perfect time to head home after a long day and brew a spot of tea. Baby, it’s cold outside!

Birchbox Review | October

Posted in Beauty by

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I think this is my favorite Birchbox yet. Here’s how the latest and greatest in beauty made my October feel little bit more gorgeous. Product reviews are from left to right.

Supergoop!® City Sunscreen Serum | If a complete stranger approached me on the street one day and said, “OMG, you have the most radiant skin ever! What moisturizer do you use?” Somehow saying “Why, thank you! I’m a huge fan of Supergoop!” just doesn’t quite feel right to me; nor sound serious to said stranger, I’m sure.  I can’t think of a worse name for a beauty product, but bonus points for originality. Aside from the terrible name, this moisturizer is pretty fantastic. It’s lightweight, has a SPF 30 sun protection factor, and did my skin proud. One application and my skin instantly felt moisturized, especially during this time of year where my skin can get rather dry. At $42 full-sized, it’s a splurge for a skin cream, though a nice alternative. You all know I’m a huge fan of Murad’s moisturizer which I’ve happily been using for years. I’m not currently in the market to make the switch at this time, but “The Goop” would definitely be a contender.

Benefit Fakeup | I really, really wanted to like this product. I recently got turned on the best mascara ever from Benefit (their They’re Real! Mascara is to die for) and got to thinking that perhaps Benefit could be more to me than just awesome eyelashes. Their “Fakeup” is a concealer with a unique application that uses a hydration ring around the color. While Birchbox magically sent me a color sample that was a shade lighter than my skin tone so pretty close to what I would use as a concealer shade, I found that the hydration ring which lent to a smooth application and added some moisture under my eyes, performed poorly when it came to coverage. I think the hydration aspect to this product, though awesome in theory, means that the consistency of the color isn’t bold enough to be an effective concealer. My favorite go-to concealer is still Mac’s Studio Finish Concealer. It outperforms Benefit’s Fakeup, hands down.

Serious Skincare® Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal | My experience with this Serious Skincare facial mask was nothing but seriously incredible. I was surprised that the texture came of the generously sized sample, mimicking your typical clay mask. While I looked like a Ninja Turtle for the next 10 minutes, this product was using its powerful alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic) to soothingly melt away dead skin cells and draw out toxins – revealing noticeably hydrated and soft skin after the first use. My skin was radiant, feeling every inch clean and refreshed. I’m impressed with this product and would certainly purchase a full size version. For $38.50, but used once or twice a week, this seemingly expensive product is not only reasonable, but well worth it for its amazing deep cleaning/exfoliating properties. I’m a fan!

POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer | I love a glossy lip. Even better, I love a glossy lip that lasts longer than 5 minutes. Unfortunately, to get and keep that look usually entails a super thick gooey consistency (think Mac’s Lipglass) which I’ve actually become accustomed to (when I’m in the mood). This product felt similar to Lipglass in some respects, though not quite as sticky.  It still has a gluey feel to it which aids in giving high shine lips that’s long-lasting, but uses jojoba oil to give some hydration as well. I agree with much of the complaint, if you don’t like sticky lip glosses this isn’t for you. While the product also claims to plump lips, I didn’t notice much a difference, other than the slight sting that’s present when applying. I have naturally full lips (as many African-American women do) so this isn’t something that ever appeals to me anyway. What I didn’t really care for is the hard “paddle style” applicator. I prefer a lip brush or wand which makes the application process more enjoyable. Overall, I’m happy with the sample and the light pink high shine gloss it gives my lips. This sample has been and will stay in my purse for when I need to punch things up.

ChapStick® Hydration Lock |  What can I say? ChapStick is ChapStick, a beloved American treasure for dry lipped people everywhere! This product is awesome, and the gentle Vanilla Creme flavor is unassuming, yet effective. The creamy texture, the smell, and the moisturization factor are all “A-plusses” in my book. My lips instantly feel smoother. Thanks for the full-sized sample, Birchbox!

Birchbox Review | September

Posted in Beauty by

1-2013-10-01 14.22.43What Birchbox does well is help a girl get in the mood for the changing of times. While fall hasn’t made an official appearance here in L.A. quite yet (it’ll likely take a few more weeks for the weather to catch up to the calendar), Birchbox sent along color palettes and products that as soon as I opened the package made me feel like fall had arrived. This month’s selections were a nice nod to the autumn season…well, when it finally gets here in a more official capacity. You can also join the Birchbox fun by using this link: http://birch.ly/17KUjbn.

Here’s how September shaped up…

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*product review from left to right*

  • amika Blow Up Spray – A line of products that have been fun to experiment with since my relationship with Birchbox have been the amika product line. I always like their intention – infusing their products with high quality ingredients and I tend to rave about how great everything smells from this line. However, I have yet to ever purchase anything full-sized. Their Blow Up Spray would also apply to this train of thought. I personally didn’t find my hair to be any more voluminous from using this product on my wet hair, but it has a nice twist in acting as a hair spray on dry hair which didn’t leave my hair too sticky or flaky. The caveat for me is that I’m very happy with what I use to cover this need at a fraction of the cost, L’Oreal’s Elnett Satin Hairspray. It made me a believer in a great hold without the residue early last year, making amika’s product a pass for me.
  • Caudalie Make-up Remover Cleansing Water – I’m not a huge fan of make-up removers and don’t use them. This is in part because I’m a firm believer in the old soap and water trick to really remove the day’s make-up. In my book, this task comes from a good facial cleanser (preferably that one that foams so I’m more fooled into thinking it’s really getting deep down in my pores) and a light toner afterward to get anything left behind. Caudalie’s Make-Up Removing Cleanser claims that you can simply use this product to remove traces of make-up without having to rinse. I didn’t find this to be the case. At. All. This might be nice to use after already having washed your face in a toner capacity, but as a pure make-up remover where you’re encouraged not to rinse – I still had to wash my face to get that “completely clean” feeling. Pass.
  • RUFFIAN Nail Lacquer – It seems I’m always getting the same color palette when Birchbox sends me nail polish and it’s in the green color family. It’s getting quite annoying given the amount of colors there are in the universe, but for the sake of it being “fall-inspired,” I’ll let it go. This time. RUFFIAN’s Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund is a rich olive-green hue. Though fun to play with a color I wouldn’t normally wear, I cannot say that I was any more or less impressed with this nail polish than brands that I normally use. I did think that the design of the top handle was unique and provided more control when applying the lacquer. What I wasn’t impressed with was having to use two coats of a high shine clear polish over this color to get that extra gloss I like (I hate matte looking nail polish), so Birchbox’s confident assertion of a “glossy high-end nail polish” seems a stretch to me. My experience with this product is neutral overall – though I’d use my sample when I want to shake things up on my nails.
  • Coastal Scents® Neutral Mirage Palette Set – This sample arrived damaged when I opened my package. One of the eye shadow palettes had shattered in transit so it didn’t photograph well above. Birchbox was quick to respond to my inquiry and kind to re-ship me another sample, but it hasn’t arrived as of writing time. I did experiment with the messy sample so that I could go ahead and get my post up. The 4 color palette held deeper shades more appropriate to the change in seasons – rich green, gold, bronze, and blue. The colors were vibrant and long-lasting, though I did use these a primer when working with the sample. In short, I was impressed with this  product. I was especially happy to see that the full-sized version is a large eye shadow palette holding 88 different shades! I don’t own a huge eye shadow palette like this because my fear would be that I would use a small handful of the colors and leave the rest – making it an unnecessary purchase. However, taking a closer look at the different shades and my positive experience with the sample palette, I’m reconsidering. I have a hefty amount of Birchbox points that I could use toward this purchase, making it a steal. This was my favorite product of the month.
  • Egyptian Magic Skin Cream –  Call if a judgement, if you will, but I was leery about this product before I even opened it. Anything deemed “Magic” is not only completely cheesy in my opinion, but rarely true when it comes to beauty products that claim so. And I was right to be biased about this. The Egyptian Magic Skin Cream smelled horrible and was rather greasy. Two no-no’s when it comes to anything I put on my skin. Aside from the no-no’s, my hands did feel moisturized…but I wouldn’t go so far as to say “magically.” The total deal breaker? It has the consistency/texture of Vaseline – which I would just use instead of this if I needed something like it. Don’t waste your time. Nothing magic here.

Birchbox Review: August

Posted in Beauty by

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August’s Birchbox arrived just when I was in the mood to try something new! Clearly, all the right people over at Birchbox got the special “shout-out” from my post last month and did something about it! There wasn’t a pink lipstick, lipliner, lip gloss, lip stain or lip-anything in sight!

While I can’t say that this box was one of my favorites overall, it did introduce me to some great new beauty goodies to experiment with that I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to. I’m now even a fan of blue eyeliner! Here’s how August went…

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{1.} Whish Coconut Milk Correcting Gel – I love the subtle smell of coconut – there’s something so soothing about it that grabs me every single time. Unfortunately, I’m not really buying what this particular product is selling. The Whish Coconut Milk Correcting Gel has all the elements for what would make an amazing product to a women of today: a great smell, a nice texture, anti-aging properties abound, natural and organic ingredient-infused, and helps with sun damage if that’s something that you struggle with. But I put this on my dry to at times combination oily skin type (depending on the day) and my face craved more moisture instantly. I found myself putting on my beloved Murad moisturizer because my skin felt so dry after using the correcting gel. This makes this a pass for me.

{2.}  uniqONE All In One Hair Treatment – My first thought after I made the first spritz onto my hair was “men’s cologne.” It has an unusual, but not altogether unpleasant scent. I don’t quite know how to describe it, but the smell just…works. The texture of this product, a creamy white liquid, was also a surprising change of pace. Its claim to fame is that all of your post-shampooing/conditioning needs are in this one bottle. Ten needs to be exact. Your leave in-treatment, detangler, frizz tamer, hydration helper, and heat styling protector among other factors is here. I have to say that I only used this product once, and I am a stickler for using a leave-in conditioning product anyway (so essentially, I doubled up when testing this product); but I have been enjoying the benefits of a rather good hair day as I write this very sentence. Perhaps the uniqONE hair treatment is on to something. I’d like to use it a few more times before I give a definitive answer, but the fact that I don’t hate it already speaks volumes. I’m just not sure at $17 a bottle, that it’s worth the hype when I’m already pretty happy with my hair care system. Stay tuned…

{3.}  Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Watercolor Eye Liner – Another first courtesy of Birchbox? Experimenting with a navy blue eyeliner. And this one from Mally, charmingly named “Sailor,” had me from the first swipe across my eyelid! The color is just the right amount of blue so it doesn’t come across as too much, making it appropriate for a little flair if you work in an office, but doesn’t overpower your look if you’re trying to keep things professional. The pencil glides on as smooth as any eyeliner I’ve ever used due to its extremely creamy texture. At $15 – it’s not overpriced with the added benefit of being both waterproof and long-lasting. I’ll be rockin’ blue eyelids for some time to come. A great product if you’re in the market for the right way to give your eyes a little pop!

{4.} Whish Deodorant Swipes with Hair Inhibitor – I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this one the minute I saw it in my box. I can dig the deodorant swipe aspect to this product, it might even be nice to have with you in your purse when you need a refresher after the gym – but a “hair inhibitor?” Common! Since I obviously can’t back-up this bold claim with the one sample provided, I’ll choose skepticism until proven otherwise. Either way, I really liked the scent of the swipe and didn’t personally feel the need to reach for my go-to gel deodorant after an hour like I thought I might. However, I’ll still to my $4 Secret brand gel deodorant and a razor when I want to “inhibit” under arm hair.

{5.}  (MALIN+GOETZ) vitamin e face moisturizer – My review of the Whish Coconut Milk Correcting Gel applies here minus the lovely coconut smell. This product just didn’t appeal to me at all. The scent was blah and I still felt the need to apply my Murad over this MALIN+GOETZ product for additional moisture, and at $45 full-sized this shouldn’t be the case. Case closed. Total pass here.

Looks like the eyeliner is the win for the month. The hair treatment – a close second. See you for September!