When I opened Birchbox #2, I was already in a great mood having spent the day touring the Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. I had received it earlier that morning, but wanted to wait until later that day to build the anticipation so I’d have something to look forward to (I was like a kid on Christmas morning!). To my delight, these 6 goodies were inside…

1. Stella Cadente Miss Me Discrete? Eau de Toilette // I was pleasantly surprised by this french fragrance. It’s very subtle with floral undertones that give off a light powdery smell. I found myself reaching for it frequently because it’s so appropriate for Spring and I loved spending my days lightly spritzed by this whimsical and romantically inspired fragrance. Aside from it being pretty pricey, this isn’t a scent that I think carries beyond this season – so while I plan to enjoy the sample, I likely won’t purchase the full sized bottle.

2. Twistband Headband  // Admittedly, it took me a minute to warm to this item. I knew it was a headband, but wondered why it was tied in a huge knot at the nape that looked kind of cheap to me. I suppose I’m used to thin headbands forming an infinity circle that makes it look well-made. Once I got past the knot and read up on why these were so special, I gave it a try. I loved it! I loved the pop of color it gave my look when I wore it, but most of all, I loved that it stayed in place and didn’t leave a huge crease in my hairline – complaint #1 when wearing skinny headbands! I’m on the fence about purchasing more in large part because of the cost. The sample band I got is fun enough to use without moving forward.

3. Benefit Benetint // In theory, I’m a fan of what this product was designed to do, provide a lasting natural tint to lips and cheeks. Unfortunately, because of my more caramel complexion this didn’t show up extremely well on my skin when I first used it. However, when I applied a few coats it did stand out more, but the tint didn’t seem as long-lasting as promoted. My thinking is that this would be perfect for more pale to olive skin tones.

4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant // Good thing I read what this stuff was for because I thought it was a simple moisturizer suitable enough for use after washing my face. Turns out, the greasy, amber colored goo that came out of the packet with an “interesting smell” is more of a salve used for intense moisture of chapped lips, cuticles, or rough heels and sunburned skin. I did find this product to be awesome on my feet before bed and when I wanted some moisture on my lips, but this isn’t something I’d ever purchase. The greasy nature and smell don’t help at all. Some Vaseline and/or cocoa butter would do the trick – and not be so smelly.

5. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream – The best part about this organic shaving cream is hands down the intense blueberry scent and soft skin post shower.  I didn’t feel the need to have to put lotion on right away as I normally do when I shave my legs. The one thing I couldn’t get over was that this product doesn’t lather. I’m used to that thick foam that develops when using my much cheaper (and still pleasantly scented) Skintimate shaving cream, and I realized that I like shaving my legs with that kind of texture. Even though I loved the scent, the natural ingredients used, and how moisturized my skin was after using Whish – I would never spend more than $5.00 on a can of shaving cream. This stuff is over-priced.

6. Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board – What can I say? It’s a nail file. Since I have a few of these already, it’s still unopened and unused at writing time. I plan to add this to my make-up bag in my purse for emergencies. I do like the cute floral design and appreciate the extra bonus in this month’s box – but there really isn’t much more to say than…it’s a nail file 🙂

// Overall //

While some of the products are inherently great – cost is a huge factor for why I wouldn’t purchase anything full-size from the Birchbox Shop this time around. If I was in the mood to splurge, it would be for the Stella Cadente fragrance. I really liked the headbands, but there must be an equal alternative at a beauty supply store for half the cost. Don’t think of me as an unhappy Birchbox customer – part of the fun is simply in the experimentation and trying something new at low risk. Keep em coming, Birchbox. Until April, stay beautiful.

Please do share your Birchbox stories with me in the comments section below – it’s infectious to hear them!