Hey! Sorry for the delay in posts recently! I’ve been working, in school, and on top of that with the flu…oh man! But here I am with my January Birchbox that I got a few weeks ago. Again, sorry for the delay!

For this box I’ll only put the link and description for each item.

1. 100% Pure - Nourishing Body Cream in Vanilla Bean $15
   This skin-friendly moisturizer is made exclusively from 100 percent vegan, organic ingredients. Not that you needed an excuses to slather it on.
2. 100% Pure - Nourishing Body Cream in Cabernet Grape $15
   Same as above description.
3. Clark’s Botanicals - Smoothing Marine Cream $115
   Dull skin no more, thanks to the glycolic acid in this exfoliating moisturizer. The gentle tingle means it’s working.
4. theBalm cosmetics - Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer $18
   Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.
5. amika - Color pHerfection Shampoo $22
   This gentle shampoo contains fortifying omega acids and healing sea buckthorn berry oil to keep your hair color bright and shiny.
6. Harvey Prince - Skinny Chic $55
   Keep your energy levels high (and fight cravings to boot) with this zesty blend of apple, mint, and lotus blossom.

Along with everything it came with a booklet with sort of a New Year’s resolution you can do. Some of them are things such as: smile, “get cozy” with SPF, and set a new fitness goal.

All in all, I think it was a pretty good box. I did enjoy getting the Clark’s Botanicals face cream because I’m up to have something for my dry face and when I’m not using my argan oil.
I haven’t really used anything else in the box but I’m looking forward to trying the shampoo but I keep forgetting to use it whenever I wash my hair. I’ll try it soon.

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox you can click HERE to do that.

Hope you have a great rest of you week!

ehknee

As usual, descriptions are what were provided by Birchbox and under descriptions are my thoughts on the products. Links will open on a new page and go to the product.

1. Rent the Runway - $50 OFF Dress Rental $125 or More
   We’re sharing a generous offer from Rent the Runway, the best way to snag designer outfits without breaking the bank.
   —- I didn’t use the $50 off dress rental Birchbox provided, instead I used a promotion I got for being a new member. Dresses that are $125 or more were gowns (or pricey designer party dresses) rather than dresses that I would wear to a Christmas party. I will be saving the card maybe for my birthday or Valentine’s Day. Either way, I love the idea of Rent the Runway now.
2. Number 4 - Clarifying Shampoo $32
   Get over your lather addiction. Gentle enough for everyday use, this unique cleanser features a low-suds formula that removes build-up without stripping hair of essential oils.
   —- I had a keratin treatment done to my hair and I’ve been looking for the perfect thing to use on my hair that also takes away build up (nothing with sulfates)…I’m pretty sure Birchbox read my mind and I’m not lying. This actually does work. I’m usually triple shampooing because I’m trying to wash my hair throughly but this lets me do it once. Thank you!!!
3. Mox Botanicals - Lip Butter in Pomegranate & Fig $16
   This Eco-chic balm (in an exclusive flavor!) revives lips with avocado oil and shea butter.
   —- I’m all about getting more lip balms because you can never have enough (especially in the winter)! My cons against this lip balm is that it’s nothing too special, it’s hard to get out of the pot, you have to swirl your finger in there for a bit to warm it up to then get it to your lips. Other than being average, I’m happy and I’ll keep it bedside. 
4. theBalm cosmetics - Hot Mama Shadow & Blush All-in-One $20
   How cute is this peachy blush? The universally flattering pigment is laced with faint golden shimmer to add warmth to your complexion.
   —- The blush comes in a very, very small package that I find it difficult to swirl a blush brush in but the color reminds me a bit of NARS Orgasm.
5. Tweezerman - Filemate $5
   There’s no greater tragedy than a broken nail. Keep this cute patterned file in your purse to fix mani mishaps.
6. Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture $90/3.4oz
   Juicy’s Signature fragrance is a blend of sweet and floral notes. Sophisticated and feminine, it’s perfect for day or night.
   —- I’m a huge fan of Juicy Couture perfume and while I’ve never actually owned the fragrance I’ve always had the samples stashed somewhere. The shampoo I currently use (Oribe Ultra Rich) actually smells very similar to the perfume! Huge fan.

I really liked this Birchbox. The shampoo I was really excited to see I got because every since I got the keratin treatment done to my hair I have to look through all the ingredients in my hair products to see if they have sulfates and parabens. Getting the discount from Rent the Runway was also exciting since my birthday is next month in January and if I plan anything exciting I would like to rent a fun dress for the occasion.

Birchbox has been improving over the months. A couple months ago they were giving O.K. products in their boxes but now I’m getting more and more excited to see what they’re bringing out. It’s like the Birchbox I know and love! :)
If you’re interested in signing up for January you can do that HERE!

ehknee

I was out of town for the whole month of November so I’ll be giving you my subscription boxes a little late.
On that note, here is my November Birchbox!

As you know, descriptions first then if I have something to say it will be under the description.

1. Sumita - Contrast Eye Pencil in Black $11
   This extrabold liner combines rich pigment with long-lasting wear — no smudges or smears.
   —- Never heard of the brand Sumita before but the next day I gave it a try, first by tight lining it (worked flawlessly) and then on my waterline (again, perfect). I love this eyeliner! I put this on my list of things to re-buy from Birchbox. Only con is that it’s creamy so you do have to sharpen it a lot but works great and stays on really well! You can see a swatch below.
2. ModelCo - SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss in Showgirl Red $16
   This Australian brand’s winning gloss coats lips with subtle color. Plus, the built-in mirror allows for easy on-the-go application.
   —-  This color is great for the season right now. While I don’t normally wear lipgloss I’m still a sucker for anything for my lips. The mirror is a handy but I can see it getting dirty and grungy if you throw it in your purse though.
3. CHROMATICgallerie - $15 Off You and a Friend
   We’ve found the formula for perfect shoes: Start with heel height, adjust the fit, and multiply by a rainbow of colors. The options are oh-so-endless! And, at just $88 a pair, you can afford to let your imagination run wild.
   —- When I looked on the website I was hoping they had flats that I could buy because I don’t always wears heels but they only have heel heights of 2,3, and 4 inches. I do like the idea of the website but I wonder the quality of the shoes and they are worth an $88 price tag. If you would like try CHROMATICgallerie (because you all my friends) your discount code is BIRCHFRIEND15 (expires Dec. 31 2012)
4. Curly Hair Solutions - Curl Keeper $10
   Comb this light, water-based serum through wet hair to keep your culs shiny, defined, and frizz free.
5. Chuao Chocolatier - 7-Pack Assorted ChocoPod (received honeycomb) $7.95
   These bite-sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors.
   —- I love getting food in my boxes. This of course was no exception. I got to try honeycomb ChocoPod and I never tried chocolate from this chocolate maker and it really good considering it’s with dark chocolate when I’m not a fan of dark chocolate. The 7-Pack of the minis also come with other fun flavors to give as a gift.
6. J.R. Watkins - Hand and Cuticle Salve $8.99
   Slather on this creamy balm pre-manicure. It’s full of natural moisturizers to keep your hands and cuticles super soft.
   —- I started picking at my cuticles and biting my nails again (bad bad habit!) and this is a great thing to get in my Birchbox to save me while I get my nails back into shape while I grow them out and make sure they stay looking pretty.

1. Sumita Eyeliner (super bold and dark)
2. ModelCo LipGloss in Showgirl Red (more of pink than red) 

I really enjoyed my Birchbox this month. Some months I’m just happy and okay with my Birchbox but this month I really enjoyed it. Especially getting a full-size lipgloss and eyeliner.

In the picture you will also notice I got a little booklet that says Holiday 2012 gift guide. In the gift guide it gives you ideas of things you can buy for her or him. It also shows you what you can get in the Limited Edition Birchbox Home box for $58 (perfect to give to someone who is just moving into their new place). The booklet does give fun ideas for women like these by boe Leather Reminder Bow Ring and for men these super cool ear buds from Triple C Designs. The last little thing in the picture that I didn’t number is a little purple package that you’re supposed to put something special in for someone you care about and give it to them. I guess after that the cycle continues.

If you like what you see and would like to sign up for Birchbox yourself you can click HERE and do that. If you would like to give the gift of Birchbox to woman or man you can click HERE and see the options that are available to you.

Have a wonderful day!

ehknee

Received my Birchbox last week and I wanted to try a few things out before I about them with you. Usually I show you because I get too excited but this time I took my time and said, “Lets take our time.” I didn’t try everything but if I did, under the product description, I will put my input on it.

1. Nexxus - Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System $9.99 to $14.99
   (Shampoo, Conditioner, Creme)
   Infused with coconut oil and amino acids, this shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment work together to fix unsightly split ends.
2. Mighty Leaf Tea Company - Chamomile Citrus Caffeine Free $9.95 Box of 15
   Swap your afternoon latte for these yummy tea blends, made from natural, ethically sourced ingredients.
   - I’m actually drinking this one right now and it’s delicious. I’m a tea person over a coffee person. Usually I buy whole loose tea leaves and brew them and these are just like that but in little bags. You have the whole loose tea leaves, not the little mashes up bits you usually get in tea bags. I love that! (Apparently other people did too! All the tea is sold out on the Birchbox website!)
3. Mighty Leaf Tea Company - Green Tea Tropical Light Caffeine $9.95 Box of 15
   (Same description as above)
4. Mighty Leaf Tea Company - Vanilla Bean Black Tea Caffeine $9.95 Box of 15
   (Same description as #2)
5. Color Club - Birchbox Custom Polish (Status Update) $8.00
   We teamed up with Color Club to create this custom shade, inspired by the Fall 2012 collections.
   - Below I put a picture of what the polish looks like on. Excuse the messy application, I was in a hurry for a dinner date and did not have much time and really wanted to apply it. I really like the color and would consider it a very dark gray. I have never worn dark nail polish and I think I’ll be buying a lot more dark nail polish for fall. Uh oh!
6. 21 drops - Focus Aromatherapy Blend $29
   Stay sharp with this mind-clearing blend of rosemary and peppermint essential oils. Apply to pulse points and breathe deep.
   -  Well, I guess I tried this. I’m writing this post late at night and I decided to put this on. I did what it said and really, I don’t fully understand aromatherapy. Yes, I smell the rosemary and peppermint, but…I don’t get it? Haha. Maybe it’s just me…Birchbox, please stop sending me perfumes and aromatherapy. :)
7. Vasanti - Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator $34
   This exfoliating cleanser uses professional-grade (read: effective) microderm crystals and papaya enzymes to brighten dull skin.
   - I’m all about exfoliators. All day everyday. I didn’t have an in shower one (I need one near every water source, in case I forget to exfoliate) so this became my in shower one. Apparently if you read in the website a single tube (full size) could last you 4-6 months. Hmm…not bad. It also said to use a pea amount, I was using way more than a pea, oops…haha! But it does leave my skin soft and I don’t know if it brightens my face but I like how it left my face feeling and it doesn’t leave my face super red like some other exfoliators do.
8. twistband - Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie $22 for 12
   Designers went gaga for lace this season and we don’t blame them. Get on board with these ouch-free hair ties.
   - I’m a huge fan of twistband. I think they look super cute in the hair because it leaves that little part out and it looks like you tied it in the hair yourself. So, to get another one I was just super happy and in another color that isn’t black.
9. Madewell - $25 Gift Card (after spending $75 or more)
10. (Not Shown) Birchbox Digital Download
    Tristan Prettyman is our latest musical crush. Download two of the singer-songwriter’s brand new tracks at tristanprettyman.com/bb.

Sorry about how bad I painted my nails, I had about 10 minutes to do my nails before a dinner date, this is what I ended up with. To be honest, for 10 minutes and needing to really quick remove nail polish, file, paint and kinda clean up some really bad oops…not too bad. Haha.

Overall I liked my Birchbox.
I did noticed that a month ago Birchbox did repin my box on Pinterest from last month (you can see last month box here!) and on their Pinterest a lot of people were upset with all the things I got in my Birchbox and how they didn’t get the same stuff. Honestly, not every month for me I fall in love. Some boxes are okay. I overall like every box I get. No box I hate. I am paying $10 a month for deluxe samples or plain samples, I don’t expect to get full size products every month. When I do get big products it makes it worth it for me. Like the nail polish, tea, and twistband hair ties made it worth it for me this month.
Also, I’ve seen other Birchbox subscribers get upset on how we all get different things. Honestly, I much rather get different things. For instance, I don’t have any use for anti-aging products and when I get them it’s a bit of a bummer for me because I can’t really see if they work or not because I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines or anything like that. Also, I dislike getting perfumes because I’m picky. The whole point of these boxes is to get new things. I was going to post what I have my profile set up as, but I decided not to because that would be cheating and I want you guys to continue getting what you get and let it be a discovery every month and enjoy your boxes. :)

If anyone wants actually sign up for Birchbox you can go ahead and click here! Try it out for a couple months and see how you like it. :)

Have a great day!

ehknee

I am just going to get right into what I got this month!

1. Pixi Beauty - Lid Last Shadow Pen in Gilded Mink $18
   This oversized crayon does double duty as a goof-proof liner or shadow.
2. Schick - Hydro Silk Razor $9.99
   The Schick Hydro Silk Razor is our latest Birchbox Find. Thanks to this innovative new razor, we’ll be showing off our legs all season long.
3. Miss Jessie’s Original - Quick Curls $32
   Tame unruly curls and waves with this lightweight styling cream: work just a small amount through damp hair.
4. Beauty Fixation - Makeup Remover $5
   Fix any beauty goofs with these genius pre-filled swabs.
5. Juicy Couture - Viva la Juicy La Fleur $70
   This modern scent is a feminine blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily.

Alright, so I really liked this month’s Birchbox! Getting a full-size razor is pretty awesome.

About the razor, I’ved used Schick razors before and am a fan of the Quattro. Although, this was a little strange. I never thought I could not like a razor because it’s pretty straight forward. Well, this razor did really good around curves and bends and all that good stuff but when it came to more straight parts such as my shins…well…it tugged at my skin. I’m thinking, “this must be me really being horrible at shaving…lets try the other leg.” Nope…again. Everything else was smooth and wonderful, but shins…nope…tugged. It’s that feeling as if you were dry shaving. Nothing seemed to get rid of that feeling. So weird. Will stick with my Venus Embrace until I figure out if I’m just really awful or it’s the razor being a little too amazing at curves.

Okay, everything else about that box was good though. The Pixi Shadow Pen was nice, never tried Pixi products before. I was most excited to try the Quick Curls cream though. I mentioned in a previous post that I have very curly hair but I rarely wear it curly. Maybe over the weekend, I’ll make the effort and just leave my hair curl and try this cream out.

Have a wonderful day!

ehknee

So I got my friend Patrick another Birchbox Man, so I’ll show you what he got for July.

1. Quirky - Cordies $10
   An antidote to that mess of power corders and chargers on your desk. Place cords in rubber grips. Marvel at newfound efficiency.
2. Benta Berry - Super Moisturizing Face Cream $20
   An all-natural face lotion that dries to a non-greasy matte finish. Use in the morning and evening on just-washed skin.
3. June Jacobs for Men - 3-in-1 Cleanser $30
   Purifying body, face and hair wash. Pack it on your nick trip to save dopp kit space.
4. Quirky - Wrapster $7
   A nifty invention for neatly stashing your headphones on the go. Wrap earbuds around this module and conquer cord tangle.

As you can see, he got two of the face moisturizers when he was supposed to get only one and a Supersmile Whitening System. If it was my Birchbox I would’ve told them I wanted what wasn’t sent to me but Patrick doesn’t like to fuss and said he was fine with the face cream. Honestly though, I ended up keeping the Quirky stuff since Patrick doesn’t have a desk and he has one of those huge Dr Dre Beats headphones. I felt more like I got something out of this more than he did. Haha!

As I said before, I won’t be getting a Birchbox Man for my friend every month since it is $20 a month and he has not interest in paying for it himself since he thinks this is all very silly. He does use the products though!

Have a wonderful week!

ehknee

This July Birchbox teamed up with one of my favorite magazines, Glamour! Also, in this Birchbox it’s supposed to appeal to your 5 senses.

1. Oscar de la Renta - live in love $78
   This elegant floral layers notes of hyacinth and orchid over a rich base of sandalwood and cedar.
2. Earbuds
   We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist.
3. Manna Kadar - sheer glo shimmer lotion $29
   This illuminating liquid gives your complexion a supermodel-like sheen. Mix it with your foundation, or apply as a highlighter.
4. AHAVA - Purifying Mud Mask $30
   Thick with Dead Sea mud and Kaolin white clay, this fast-acting mask detoxifies skin in the amount of time it takes to catch a commercial break.
5. Laura Geller - Double Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss $17.50
   This double-sided lipstick makes it easy to switch between (or layer) two golden pink pigments.

If you’re curious to see what the two colors are in Laura Geller lipstick is I did a swatch so you can see it.

The top color is actually goes on really light. The color you see if after me rubbing the lipstick on my skin a few times. I really like the lipstick but I only prefer the lighter color rather than the darker pink.

Right now, I have the mud mask on my face to see what I think of it. So far my face is just tightening while the mud dries on my skin. I’m a huge sucker for masks, especially mud or clay masks so this was perfect for me.
As for everything else I got in my box, I will be using the earbuds since it’s uncomfortable to use my workout headphones since they wrap around my ears and sometimes I just want to have regular earbuds, so this will get use. Not a fan of Oscar de la Renta perfume because I don’t like perfumes that have a strong floral scent or sandalwood. The sheer glo shimmer lotion I would only use as a highlighter, there is too much shimmer to be putting it all over your face with your foundation but it’s the perfect color for my skin tone so I’ll be trying it out.

Overall, I think this Birchbox was okay. I was sad that I didn’t get to use my sense of taste, I was hoping to get a snack in my Birchbox, haha.

Have a wonderful weekend!

ehknee

Early in June I signed up for GlossyBox and just received my first box today in the mail (they seem to ship out at the end of the month). GlossyBox is similar to the other two subscriptions I have with Birchbox and Sample Society. Every month Glossybox will send 5 travel sized beauty samples to try out and hopefully fall in love with. Also as with Birchbox, when you review the samples they will reward you with 20 GLOSSYDots and once you reached 1000 GLOSSYDots you receive your next GlossyBox for free. This subscription is more expensive than Birchbox and Sample Society at $21 a month, but after seeing what their first US GlossyBox contained and the one I received I can see why. 

I’ll be showing you what it looks like when you receive your package in the mail and when you first open the box and then what’s inside.

I have yet to try out any of the products so I’ll be putting in the description GlossyBox provided.

1. A Perfume Organic - Urban Organic $65
   The combination of lavender and grapefruit makes for a fresh and citric scent.
2. vBEAUTÉ - Lite Up $150, Buying Time $135 & Eye Never $85
   Give your face the treatment it deserves with this skin care trio including face serum, cream and eye gel.
3. OFRA Cosmetics - Eye Shadow ICE in Goldilocks $14.95
   Dap on this primer infused, color intensive, creamy eye shadow and stand out in any crowd. Remain beautiful for you long summer adventures.
4. Wella Professionals - Enrich Moisturizing Treatment $12
   Create free flowing hair with this lightweight treatment containing silk extract that instantly restores your mane.
5. AHAVA - Mineral Botanic Hibiscus & Fig Velvet Cream Wash $23
   Formulated with rejuvenating Dead Sea minerals and soothing natural moisturizers, this velvety cream wash gives an extra hydration-boost with a sweet uplifting scent.
6. First AID Beauty - Smooth Shave Cream $16.50
   Smooth Shave Cream is a gentle, non-irritating formula containing everything you need to obtain a close, long-lasting shave. Keep your legs looking smooth and sexy all summer long.
7. July GLOSSYMag

I’m excited to try these products since only two of the products I received I’ve heard of before which is AHAVA and First AID Beauty. I like receiving products that I normally wouldn’t find out about. As of right now, I recommend GlossyBox because you receive high quality products and products you may not be able to afford but would be interested in trying like the last month GlossyBox (that I did not receive) that had Burberry Lipstick! Even though it is more expensive than other subscriptions, still worth it.

Sometime either late this week or early next week I’ll be receiving my Sample Society box and also my Birchbox so look out for my post about those!

Have a great 4th of July!

ehknee