August Birchbox

This is what I got this month from Birchbox. The card says, "Soak it up! As summer peaks (temp-wise and watermelon-consumption-wise), we're taking advantage of every last minute. That means embracing air-dried hair, ensuring our skincare is SPF-heavy and keeping our makeup minimal. We hope you love this month's samples, and can't wait to see how you use them! Here's to making the most of summer's last gasp, Team Birchbox."

1. Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray: "This spritz delivers beachy, texturized waves plus, it hydrates summer dry hair and boosts shine." I don't like to blow dry my hair. If I could I would always air dry my hair and it comes out looking fabulous. I'm always looking for hair products that will let me do that.

2. Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser: "With African black soap and rose hips oil, this 100% natural, fragrance-free wash leaves your face refreshed." I will try this and see how I like it. 

3. Balance Me Congested Skin Serum: "Calming spot treatment that fights blemishes, refines pores, and balances skin without drying." This might work good for me. I have to try this. I wonder if you put this all over the face or just on pimples.

4. The Balm Cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush: "A blush and bronzer in one, this velvety powder gives a long-lasting, fresh-from-the-beach-glow." I saw other people get this in past Birchboxes, and I wanted to get this too. I love The Balm Cosmetics! This looks like a good bronzer for my fair skin, and it isn't orange. I think it would be good for contouring.

5. St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower: "This convenient, innovative self-tanner delivers build able color for a natural-looking glow. Tip apply evenly in circular motions to damp, clean skin. Wait 3 minutes, then rinse with warm water." I've actually never used a self tanner before. I wonder if it would look funny on me. Do you need to have a mit to apply?

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.

June Birchbox

I love the color of the box! It reminds me of the beach.

The card inside says, "Adventure is a state of mind. It's about exploring the unknown, dreaming beyond the horizon, and letting go of the word "no." What's on your list? Scuba diving with sharks? Sleeping under the stays (hey, your backyard counts)? Here's to adventures big and small, near and far." There is a giveaway. They give you a code. I got a 10% off a $50 purchase at the Birchbox store.

1. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: "Weightless spray that refreshes sans residue, in the brand's signature obliphica scent." I don't use a dry shampoo. I will have to try this out.

2. Coola SPF 50 Sport - Mango: "Sweat-proof, water-resistant sunscreen made with organic botanics (and a fun, fruity scent)." This does smell good! I will have to try this out. My skin is sensitive to sunscreen.

3. Emi Jay Hair Tie: "We've added in this chic hair tie from Emi Jay for all your summer 'dos." It is a golden hair tie with a little bow in the back. I'll have to try this out when I do my hair.

4. Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow: "This multitasked, rich in antioxidants and aloe, covers imperfections, evens tone, and calms skin." It looks a little darker than my skin. I'll have to try this out.

5. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask: "This foamy formula is packed with oxygen and antioxidants for brighter, younger-looking skin." I love getting these masks to try out.

6. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner: "This blendable waterproof eyeliner goes on smoothly and stays put all day." This is in the color Blue Lagoon. I think it is pretty. It's nice to wear a natural eye with a pop of color on the lower lash line.

May Birchbox

This is what the card looks like for this month. Very pretty! I actually tasted macaroons for the first time this month, and I liked them! They literally melted in my mouth! I can be a picky eater, so I didn't think I would like them. Let's see what the card says..."Beauty products have a way of instantly transforming my mood, whether I'm taking a bubble bath at the end of a long day or brightening up my look with an unapologetically bold lipstick. I love that simple products can have such a profound impact, which is why I'm thrilled to be curating the May Birchbox. My second book, Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home, also comes out this month and follows the same motto as my blog: 'Elevate Everyday Life.' My book is filled with entertaining ideas and home decor tricks that are aspirational yet attainable. I hope you enjoy my Birchbox picks and find plenty of applicable tips to help elevate your everyday life!" Looks like a Martha Stewart type person is helping to do the box this month.

Harvey Prince Sincerely Perfume: "Sweetly spicy scent with Indonesian clove bud, Indian tuberose, and Japanese orange flower. Spritz onto pulse points - and see where this intriguing scent takes you." I honestly don't like the smell of this. It is too spicy for me.

Dr. Jart + Ceramidin Day Tint: "This ceramide-infused balm hydrates, delivers sheer coverage, and packs SPF protection. Apply to face with fingers or sponge. Wear alone or under makeup." I will have to try this out. This might be a good face primer.

Benefit Lollibalm: "This mango butter balm hydrates lips and provides a sheer, candy-orchid tint. Sweep onto bare lips or over your favorite Benefit tint for instant moisture." I love Benefit products. I am curious to try this out. 

Juara Candlenut Body Creme: "Nourishing candlenut oil deeply penetrates for softer, smoother skin. Apply generously when needed, paying special attention to dry areas like elbows and knees." This may be a fancy lotion. I will try it out. Wow! This smells so good. I like it!

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray: "This celeb stylist's new nondrying spray gives you soft, beachy waves - and smells amazing. Spray evenly onto damp or dry hair and style with fingers for a tousled look." I am trying this out today. I love the beach wave look. I'm afraid when I try to achieve it my hair looks tangled and frizzy. Maybe this spray will have the magic touch.

My Thoughts: Overall, I like this box. There was only one thing in this box I didn't like.

April Birchbox

I like this box. It reminds me of Spring and my Grandma.

The card says, "There's a reason they call it spring. The fresh blooms and fresh air have put a bounce in our step, and we're thrilled to update our look (hello, new colors and trends). Even your Birchbox has gotten in on the fun: This month's box features an exclusive print designed by Rifle Paper Co. Founded by a genius husband-and-wife duo, the brand is known for its stunning illustrations and covetable stationary - we love them, and hope you do too!" The back of the card has a list of all the products in the box, and a description.

Clean Original Eau de Parfum: "This airy scent blends light fruits and florals for a freshly washed feeling. Spritz onto pulse points like wrists, neck, and behind the knees." I have had samples of this perfume before. It smells like laundry detergent. I can't make my mind up if I like it or not. At times it is a pleasant smell to me.

Not Soap, Radio Body Wash - Bathing with sharks: "This richly foaming cleanser has an energizing, beachy scent. Massage generously into damp skin, then rinse away - or add a dollop to your bath." It smells good to me. I will use this in the shower. I like using these kinds of body washes instead of bars of soap. I am still finishing all the Lush shower gels and Fortune Cookie body wash, but I can add this to the mix.

Paula's Choice RESIST 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment: "This concentrated treatment fades dark spots, combats redness, and minimizes fine lines. At night, lightly pat onto dark spots and wrinkles. Wear SPF during the day." I have heard nothing but good things about this brand. I will try it out. I am skeptical about products like this because I'm not sure I see them working.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain: "This multitasking, long-lasting color adjusts to your skin for a natural, customized shade. Glide onto lips. Dab onto cheeks and blend well." I like products like this. I will have to try it out. I think the shade is Forever Pink.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel: "This acid-free peel gently exfoliates for instantly softer, smoother, brighter skin. Apply to clean face and massage to slough off dully, dry skin. Rinse away." I haven't exfoliated by face for a while. I probably should get back to doing that. Don't they say you should do it once a week? I can't remember. 

This will be fun to experiment with these new products this month. It seems like the IPSY bag had more makeup in it, and the Birchbox had more skincare.

March Birchbox

I have to be honest with this box. I think it looks very strange. I don't get it. It must be the latest trendy art movement?

This month's theme is creativity. I'm not sure what that has to do what is inside the box because to me it seems like the sort of things that are normally in the box, but I guess doing your hair and makeup can be a creative thing. The card says, "I feel most creative when I ... When do you feel most creative? Fill out the front of this card, share it, and tag #birchbox and #giveaway for a chance to win full-size versions of everything in your box!" I am not going to do this, but I will answer the question right now. I feel the most creative when I put on makeup. I feel like an artist.

Macadamia Natural Oil Nourishing Moisture Masque: "This luxe treatment reinforces strands for shinier, stronger, healthier-looking hair. After shampooing, coat strands from near roots to ends. Wait 7 minutes, then rinse." I think I actually already have this. If it is what I already have then I haven't noticed anything remarkable about this. It seems like a normal conditioner to me. 

Rusk Texture Dry Finishing Spray: "This medium-hold spray gives any hair volume and shape - while keeping its natural bounce. Shake well, and spray onto roots for extra oomph or your whole head for flexible hold." I will have to try this when I put my hair in a ponytail, and see if I can get more volume.

Wei Manuka Bee Venom Anti-Wrinkle Mask: "This treatment firms, softens, and minimizes fine lines, with a warm tingle as it works. Brush mask onto clean face, avoiding eyes, 1-2 times weekly. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse." I'm sort of nervous to put bee venom on my face! 

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24-Hour Miracle Cream): "A makeup artist must-have, this cult moisturizer moonlights as a primer and makeup remover. Apply a small amount to clean face and neck, or dab on with a cotton ball to remove makeup." I am the most excited to get this in my box! I have seen the Pixiwoo sisters use this many times on their Youtube makeup tutorials.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney: "Velvety color with a modern matte finish. No need for lip liner. This stain stays put. Glide wand over lips. Wear as is for bright color, or blot for a subtler look." I have noticed that matte lips have been "in" lately. I don't know if this color would look good on me.

February Birchbox

This is February's Birchbox. I like the flourescent colors. It looks like there are talk bubbles on it. I think that has to do with this month's theme.

I like how Birchbox always has a card saying what the theme is and then on the other side is a description of everything included in the box. I wish the IPSY Bag did that. This is what the card says, "Calling all buddies, pals, partners-in-crime, and BFFs. February may be about a certain romance-focused holiday, but we're just as thrilled to celebrate those people who cheer us on, calm us down, and - most importantly - make us laugh so hard we cry. Here's to friendship, in all its incredible forms!" I like that they are thinking of more than Valentine's Day.

The Balm Cosmetics Read My Lips Lip Gloss in BAM! "Fortified with antioxidant-rich ginseng, this gloss imparts rich color and loads of shine. Sweep onto lips on its own, or layer over lipstick for a custom (and ultra shiny) hue." I like this rosy color. It seems opaque enough to be worn alone.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: "This leave-on exfoliant wipes away impurities to reveal smooth, even-toned, glowing skin. Once or twice daily, apply to clean skin with a cotton ball or pad." This is a big sample! It has Salicylic Acid and is for all skin types. It says it reduces redness and builds collagen. It unclogs and diminishes enlarged pores. So it looks like you cleanse the skin, then put this on, and then moisturize. I am going to try it out to see how I like it.

Amika Nourishing Mask: "Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with super fruit sea buckthorn berry. Smooth onto lengths and ends of damp hair. Leave 5-10 minutes before rinsing." I still have to try this out.

BeeKind Body Lotion: "Made with honey and organic chamomile, this yummy UK fave sinks in to restore skin. Massage generously into skin." It smells like lemon candy to me. It feels good on the skin. On the back it says, "The honey bee population is in crisis. A portion of the proceeds of this product supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research." I guess that's why it's called "BeeKind".

English Laundry Signature for Her: "Inspired by English gardens, this charmer balances floral and woodsy notes. Apply to pulse points and enjoy the sophisticated bouquet." I love the way this smells! 

I still need to try out a lot of these products. It is fun getting something in the mail.