July Birchbox

I think the box this month is really cool looking!

This is what the card says. "Summer is not the time to hold back. It's the season of wearing brights on brights on brights, driving with the windows down, and eating popsicles for breakfast. Accordingly, what better time to dial up your beauty routine a notch (or three)? Don't worry, we'll be bringing you inspiration all month long."

1. clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant: "Made with sea salt scorched bamboo, this all-natural scrub battles blackheads and oil. Tip! Mix a dollop of scrub with water in your palm. Gently massage onto face, then rinse." I am interested to try this. I do have blackheads. I hope it isn't too harsh for the face.

2. Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique: "Bonus! We've added in this leave-in treatment from Kerastase to repair and protect hair." On the back it says, "Heat-activated reconstructing milk for damaged, brittle hair - for use with styling irons or hairdryers. Do not rinse." I don't know if I really need this, but I might try it.

3. MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50: "This hydroallergenic formula fights signs of agin, blocks UVA and UVB rays, and has a silky finish." I like that this has SPF 50!

4. Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35: "Next-generation SPF 35 CC cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays." I've never tried CC cream. I'm curious to try it. It is light/medium. It might be a little too dark for my skin.

5. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume: "This allergen-free, minimalist scent has a single note: elegant, spicy Cetalox." I like the way this smells!

6. stila look at me liquid lipstick trio in the color venizia: "This creamy formula glides on like a gloss yet lasts (and lasts and lasts) like a stain. Tip! Learn all about how to use your stay all day liquid lipstick at Birchbox.com/stila." This reminds me of my NYX liquid lipsticks. It looks like a lip gloss, but it is thicker and more opaque. It is a bright red.

I thought this box was better than the IPSY July Bag. My favorite thing was the Stila Liquid Lipstick.

December Birchbox

This is what the card says, "Hi there, We believe that great (scratch that - amazing, exciting, and delightful) things come in small packages. And it doesn't hurt if they are nicely wrapped too! Every month, we fill your Birchboxes with samples that we think you'll love - and in this most festive of months we've gone a step further and dressed up the box as well. Since we know you have a full holiday dance card, we've included products that will help you look and feel your best. Nothing to wear? We're sharing a generous offer from Rent the Runway, the best way to snag designer outfits without breaking the bank. The celebration continues online, where we have videos on creative gift wrapping - including ways to upcycle your old Birchboxes! - and a non-disco ball way to go sparkly for New Year's Eve. Plus, you'll find three deceptively simple party hairstyles and tips on kickstarting skincare resolutions. Happy Holidays!"

1. Thymes Naia Body Lotion: "Lemon pulp and yerba mate extract give this lightweight moisturizer its delightful, energizing scent. For an instant pick-me-up, smooth it on after your morning shower." It just seems like a regular, nice smelling lotion to me. Nothing to be excited about.

2. Thymes Lotus Santal Body Lotion: "We love this shea-enriched hydrator for its calming woodsy scent and truly non-greasy feel. Smooth it on post-shower while skin is slightly damp." I haven't tried this yet. I'm sure it's just like any other lotion.

3. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique - Protect: "Work this leave-in cream through towel-dried hair to repair damage from chemical processing and protect your strands from the effects of heat styling." I haven't tried this yet. I have other products that do this. I'm sure it works fine.

4. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream: "This brand new CC (read: color control) is the ultimate multi-tasker. The lightweight cream naturally improves skin tone with vitamin C and grape-derived resveratrol." I have heard that there are CC creams, like BB creams. I think I'm going to give this to a friend.

5. ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss: "This Australian brand's winning gloss coats lips with subtle color. Plus, the built-in mirror allows for easy on-the-go application." This is just a regular lip gloss in my opinion.

Overall, I'm not that excited about Birchbox anymore. I think I'm going to give this box for a friend who will like it more than me. I think IPSY bags have gotten better, and I like to see what is in it more than Birchbox.