My Birchbox arrived this past Saturday and I was beyond excited (this month's theme was Gossip Girl). First of all, they just package it all so darn cute (sorry I didn't document all that, I was in a hurry to open it!)
Here's what was in it:
Details (this is the info for my included items that was printed on an included card. My comments will follow):
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline perfume sample
Birchbox Sez: Inspired by luminescent crystals (so glam), this fresh scent combines note of lotus flowers, bamboo, and nashi pear. Full size, $47-$64
I sez: Smells good.(Told ya I'm not a beauty blogger!) Doubt I'll ever buy the full size, but I will enjoy the sample.
Color Club Nail Polish in Clambake Coral
Birchbox sez: Just in time for summer, this warm coral will set off your newly (self-) tanned skin. Full size, $8
I sez: I am still pale as a ghost, but I love this color. Even looks okay with my red hair and pale freckled skin. Wearing it right now.
Kiehl's Abyssine Cream+
Birchbox sez: A longtime bestseller, this anti-aging moisturizer uses microscopic Abyssine molecules to soften wrinkles and protect skin from free radical damage. Full size, $48
I sez: I have no idea what an Abyssine molecule is, but I looooove this stuff. I've been using it twice a day on my face, neck and chest and I have barely made a dent in the sample-sized jar. A dab will do ya, and I love how it makes my skin look and feel. I would actually splurge for this cream. (But if I am being totally honest, I eventually hope to be able to afford Rodan + Fields skincare. That is goooood stuff.)
Miracle skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow
Birchbox sez: Don't settle for anything but flawless skin - all over your body. This tinted treatment erases blemishes and scars on arms, legs and decollete.Full size, $34
I sez: Well, it doesn't cover freckles (not that I expected it to). ;) I think this would be a fabulous product on the average un-freckled person, though. Would love to see how it looks on my face, but it says nothing about using it on your face, so I am not going to.
Twistband Hair Tie
Birchbox sez: Give your ponytail a makeover with these colorful, snag-free elastics. 12 pack, $18
I sez: I have been stalking beauty blogs and have noticed these hair ties have been in several previous boxes. I REEEEEALLLLY wanted one, and am thrilled with it. Since they are wider than the average hair tie, they supposedly don't leave that annoying crimp in your hair (you know what I am talking about). I just wish it wasn't hot pink. Of all colors! Sheesh. I would buy a 12 pack, for sure.
Birchbox Extra - "xoxo" Notecard (not pictured in my photo, though you can see the hot pink envelope that goes with it.) Birchbox apparently throws a "lifestyle extra" in the box every month, and this month it was a notecard.
Birchbox Sez: Text messages are no match for handwritten notes on fun, modern stationery. Set of 12, $10.
I sez: I am a total stationery hoarder, so of course I loved it. I think I am going to frame it and put it on my future collage wall in my spare bedroom if I don;t send it to someone. Probably wouldn't buy a full set, but it was a fun extra. In my humble opinion, the best part about Birchbox is their points system. I believe you get 10 points for every month you get a box, and another 10 points for each item in your box you review (I currently have 60 points). If you refer a friend, you get 50 points. Each 100 points equals $10 to spend on the website.
Convinced you want to try it, too? Sign up here for Birchbox!
https://www.birchbox.com?raf=2tmd4
My MyGlam Bag arrived yesterday. Every month you get a makeup bag and samples or full sized products. Here's what I got:
Kind of... pink, but ok. I guess this months theme was love or something.
Details:
Philosophy Love Sweet Love fragrance sample
MyGlam sez: Feel smitten and irresistably pretty with the flirty, fruity fragrance.
I sez: I felt neither of those things, but it does smell quite good. I've never smelled any product by Philosphy that I didn't like, however!
Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick (I think the color I got is called "tender embrace") MyGlam sez: Rich color that plumps and hydrates for perfectly kissable lips.
I sez: I noticed no plumping or hydration, but I was relieved they sent me this brownish color instead of pink or something. It doesn't look too bad on me, though I think it's more of a fall color. A little too dark for this time of year. But I like it. See?
Miss Beauty Nail Bling
MyGlam Sez: Nail art that will make you fall head over heels in an instant.
I sez: Nail bling? I'm almost 36. However, I kind of like it. I wouldn't put it on every nail, and I would never buy these for myself, but I am kind of excited to have them. I think it might be fun on an accent nail, or around Valentine's Day. It was really neat to get something completely out of my comfort zone to try out.
MyGlam concealer Brush and Defining Eyeliner Brush
MyGlam sez: Two final signature pink brushes to complete your MyGlam collection.
I sez: I haven't used these yet, but you can't have too many brushes!
Sign up here for MyGlam: http://www.myglam.com/
This month's winner? Hmmm, it's a close one. MyGlam, while not my typical style, did deliver with some full sized goodness, but I am going to have to declare Birchbox the winner this time. Their packaging and higher-end products (loooove the Kiehl's cream!) already have me anticipating next month's box. I plan to stick with both of these for at least three months, and see if it's worth it. So far? Yep! Who doesn't love fun beauty surprises in the mail?
