June 2014 Birchbox
Back to beauty boxes! My first Birchbox arrived a few days ago. It came very late, being the June box, and was wrapped up in an obscene amount of packaging. Other than that, it’s great.
Birchbox runs you $10US. I didn’t pay any tax, and shipping was included. It’s generally already cheaper and better than any of the Canadian boxes I’ve had. I’m already impressed.
So what’s in the thing?
In June, the box was “Away We Go” themed to celebrate Birchbox’s partnership with JetBlue. In the box was the opportunitiy to win a round trip courtesy of JetBlue. The products were also around-the-world themed, from many places and in travel size.
First thing, there was a set of hair products.
Love Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and OI All in One Milk
This strand smoothing trio softens, detangles, and tames frizz for remarkably sleek locks. Apply shampoo and rinse. Follow with conditioner. Use leave-in treatment before styling.
Full size: $24-28
Sample size: Alrighty. Shampoo: $10, Conditioner: $1.60, Treatment: $1.20
I’m very dedicated to my every day hair routine. I am reluctant to switch it up, but I tried these out. Shampoo: great. All in One Milk: perfectly fine. Conditioner: terrible. If I wasn’t so into the stuff I’m using now, I would be tempted to make the switch. You can leave the conditioner though. It made my hair look kind of greasy and matted down. Not cute. The hair treatment did give me a lot of shine, but I wouldn’t say that it tamed anything down. The shampoo has this great almost-grapefruit scent that I really love, but I’ll skip on the repurchase.
Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream
Celebs and health professionals alike swear by this all-natural, all-purpose salve. Use to moisturize, fight wrinkles, and treat burns and bruises – that’s just the beginning.
Full size: $26-38
Sample size: $2.38
I don’t know what to do with this. Kind of like when I got that Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. “Put it on everything!” No really, tell me what specifically to do with it. I am also skeptical that it can treat your bruises, considering it’s essentially honey and olive oil. I think it will be good as a spot moisturizer on my dry patches, so that’s what I’ve been using it for. I like it, but don’t think I need to buy it.
Joie Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum
A fresh blend of mandarin, rose, and sandalwood that evokes a carefree, summertime vibe. Spritz onto pulse points like the wrists and neck.
Full size: $98
Sample size: $1.73
Perfume samples are hard because everyone is so particular. I don’t like this one. I’m not upset about getting it, but it really isn’t my taste at all. Ma seemed to like it, so it can be hers. Or my sister’s.
LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour
A high-gloss, semi-sheer lip color that’s perfect for summer. Bonus: It smells minty fresh! Wear solo for a soft wash of colo or layer it over your favorite lipstick.
Full size: $18
Sample size: About 8 dollars. This one was the hard because it was labelled as being full-sized, but definitely isn’t.
I love this. I love the color. I love the smell. I love how it feels. I really like lip crayons and this one is no exception. The wear time on this isn’t great, but it looks really cute on, so I want to keep it. It’s also subtle enough (even though it looks SO PURPLE) that I could wear it to the office without feeling like people are judging me.
Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser
Two-in-own cleanser and exfoliator that rejuvenates skin and smells deliciously lemony. Wet hands. Blend a small amount between hands to activate. Massage into face, then rinse.
Full size: $32.95
Sample size: $1.65
About a week ago, I got a pretty rough sunburn. I thought I was being diligent with my sunscreen, but that was obviously false. It was all fine and dandy and nothing a full coverage foundation couldn’t handle. Until the peeling. The peeling has begun. This does smell deliciously lemony, and the sugar is just the right amount of abrasive to get rid of that gross layer of skin without being too harsh. Of all the products in this month’s box, this is the one I like the best.
Total value: $26.56
Overall, I am really happy with this as my first box. There were those problems I mentioned, but the actual items are great. I’m definitely looking forward to the next box. It should be here any day. For sure any day. (Edit: I just checked, and my July box shipped on the 17th!)
I also did a first impressions/unboxing kind of video, which I linked here :)