Birchbox August 2014

Today I have another Birchbox. It feels like these are coming almost faster than I can keep up with them. I'll be honest, this box was not as good as the last few months have been. Birchbox runs you $10US. I didn’t pay any tax, and shipping was included.

This month’s theme is Lighten Up. This month is all about using less and switching up your routine for fall, so let's jump right in.

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris Fragrance

The designer's first-ever scent mingles summery fruits and florals for an elegant vibe. Wear it with your favorite sundress, and spritz again before meeting friends for cocktails.

Full size: $110

Sample size: $1.10

I have said it before, and I will say it again. I don't like getting perfume samples. I don't want them. It's just not my style, and that's a tricky things to get right.

ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer

This lightweight pressed powder gives skin a natural-looking flow with a hint of shimmer. Using a blush brush, lightly dust onto hollows of cheeks, across forehead, and over chest.

Full size: $22

Sample size: $7.54

Birchbox gives you the option of picking one of your samples and this is one that I didn't choose, but got anyway. I love a good bronzer. This one is not really suited to contouring because of its heavy shimmy, but it does warm up my face a great deal. I like that a lot. It is really pigmented, and while that is usually nice, I find that it's easy to get really heavy handed with this.

theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Best-selling stain that gives cheeks and lips a sheer, rosy tint. Dot onto cheeks and blend quickly. Sweep over lips to give them a wash of color.

Full size: $17

Sample size: $2.27

This was another of the products you could choose to definitely have in your box, and I almost picked it but didn't (I didn't get my choice, but I'm not terrible miffed). I love this already. I am a major fan of Benetint, and this is like that but better. It's thicker, so it's easier to work with and has a gorgeous color. The bad news is that on my lips, it only lasted about 4 hours. I was expecting better, but overall pleased. Probably will be purchasing.

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenIp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

This customer fave mimics the effects of microdermabrasion for glowing, smooth skin. 3-5 times a week, message a pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.

Full size: $34

Sample size: $5.67

Unless you're new here, you know that I love me some exfoliation. This guy is a little too rough for me though. It's reallllly abrasive. It does take off all your skin, but I don't think I'll be able to use it more than once every couple of weeks. I'll be using it, but carefully for sure.

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

A shea-butter packed silky cream in a fresh-for-summer scent. Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave.

Full size: $20

Sample size: $2.93

I got this when I signed up for Birchbox, so I'm not impressed to see it again so soon. It might have been different if I liked the smell but I don't. I thought I liked it when I first got it, but when I was using it in the shower, it is sickly sweet and cloying. I never want anything “acai grapefruit” ever again.

Total value: $19.51

Still a pretty okay box. My Ipsy unboxing and reviews will be up on Friday so watch out for that!

I also made a video, available here: