Birchbox October 2011

I'm sorry to say, but once again I was disappointed with this month's Birchbox. I feel bad about it. I feel like I should feel grateful or something. The best part about it is seeing it arrived. I get so happy to see the box and feel the anticipation of what could possibly be inside.

This is what the card says about each item, and then I will tell you what my opinion is for each.

1. Befine Lip Serum: A lip-healing wonder: Befine's vitamin-rich Lip Serum heals and smooths cracked or dry lips. My Opinion: This really moisturizes my lips. Much more than a chapstick or lip balm. I put it on this morning and I still feel it on my lips. I think next time I will put it on before I go to sleep.

2. Blinc Mascara: This tubing mascara won't smear, smudge, or run - plus it gives lashes a sassy, extra glossy look. My Opinion: This seems like an ordinary mascara to me. I know I will have to take it off differently though. You use warm water and gently take off the tubes around each lash. It sort of worries me. Am I going to lose lashes?

3. Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask: This natural, antioxidant-packed mask does it all: purifies, exfoliates, balances, and hydrates. Use it once a week for skin so smooth you won't even need makeup. My Opinion: I am currently seeing a dermatologist for acne treatment so I'm just using products my doctor has recommended or prescribed to me. Also, last month the Pangea Organics product was a real dud for me, but my mom loved it. I gave the sample to her, and she loved it so much she wanted me to buy it for her. I bought it for her, so I gave this mask to her too thinking she might really love it. She is in her 60's, so her skin has different needs than mine.

4. Orofluido Beauty Elixer: We don't know what we love more - this hair treatment's trio of nourishing essential oils (argan, linseed, cyperus)or its intoxicating vanilla amber scent. My Opinion: It smells good when first put on, but once my hair is dried I can't smell it. I didn't notice that it did anything special for my hair. My hair still looks frizzy. I still needed to use other products and my straightener.

5. Tea Forte Minteas: Our new obsession, these tasty mints are infused with energizing yerba mate and rich cocoa. My Opinion: These taste good, but they just seem like regular mints to me, nothing special.

Maybe I am a snob against expensive beauty products, but I don't see how these are anything better than I could find at a drugstore.

Birchbox September 2011

I was so excited my Birchbox arrived today!

You receive a little package in the mail every month with samples. Every box has it's own theme. The theme for this one was to thank the subscribers for one year of Birchbox. I think it is the anniversary. Everyone gets something different in their box, based on a little survey you fill out when you first subscribe.

1. Starting at the top, I got a friendship bracelet. It has the cute little Birchbox logo on it and a pink yarn.

2. Then, going from left to right. I have Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin. It has Nigerian ginger with lavender & tyme. I'll try this tonight and add how I like it later. So I tried this on and it smells like soil. I put it on my face after cleansing and my face didn't feel moisturized. I waited for it to "work", but it still felt dry so I put on my regular moisturizer over it. I don't like this cream at all. I gave this to my mom and she loves it. She said she put it on in the evening and the next morning her face felt wonderful.

3. Next, is Jouer Lip Enhancer. It is a lip balm that is supposed to hydrate, plump, and condition your lips. It feels good.

4. The next item is called, "Liv Grn Earth Eau de Parfum." Ten percent of sales go directly to Global Green, an environmental non-profit. It smells amazing. It isn't too harsh. The scent has jasmine and sandalwood.

5. Lastly, Incoco Nail Polish Applique. These are so much fun. These are like my Sally Hansen Strips. I already used my cheetah print nail polish strips, so these can replace those. These ones have cheetah print and they are gold, magenta, and black. Sort of tacky maybe, but lately I've been wearing pretty tacky looking nails for some reason.

To be honest I haven't gotten anything in a Birchbox yet that has really "wowed" me. I do like to try different products and see if I like them or not. This has been my third Birchbox. My favorite thing about them is just getting something cool in the mail. Also these products are expensive things that I normally would not buy. Like, the Pangea is normally $36. I wouldn't spend that much for a face cream. It is fun to have expensive samples.

Do you get Birchbox? What did you get in your Birchbox this month? Or do you get something similar to it that comes in the mail with samples? What is your favorite thing to get in the mail?