July 2014 Birchbox

Hey everyone!

Today I have my second Birchbox. It arrived more than a week ago, but things around here have been pretty busy so I’m just getting around to it now. The things in this month’s box were pretty great, so let’s get right to it.

Birchbox runs you $10US. I didn’t pay any tax, and shipping was included.

This month’s theme is ‘Power Up’, in conjunction with Women’s Health magazine. Included in the box is a full year subscription to the mag, plus five great products.

Beauty Protector Protect and Treat Mask

Developed by stylists, this argan oil treatment restores strength and megashine to hair. Work through wet hair, focusing on ends. Leave on for up to 20 minutes before rinsing away.

Full size: $25.95

Sample size: $6.49 (there were two!)

Another hair product! I’m use a hair mask pretty religiously (on Sundays, of course), so I swapped this one out for I’m very dedicated to my every day hair routine. I don’t think it worked better than my usual mask, but it did smell relatively medicinal. I’m not a fan.

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Eye Shadow Palette

From the just-launched palette, these matte and shimmery shades will have you tickled pink.

Full size: $34

Sample size: $0.57

It’s really obvious that Revealed 2 is the Coastal Scents answer to the Naked 3 palette. The pinky color tones of the palette really doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t like the way they look on me. The sample that I got of these four nice eye shadows were colors I really liked though. They’re great everyday shades that I feel like I can use, in shades of brown. I do love my brown eye shadow.

Marcelle New Age 8 in 1 Power Serum

This peptide-packed antiaging gel hydrates, firms, lifts, and plumps fine lines. Once a day, smooth over clean face and neck. You’ll see results in just a week of use.

Full size: $34

Sample size: $8.16

I don’t have much to say about this. It doesn’t seem to do much of anything, even after a week of use.

NAOBAY Body Radiance Lotion

This Spanish favorite uses olive oil and avocado to naturally hydrate and soften skin. Massage generously into skin, focusing on dry patches like elbows and knees.

Full size: $34

Sample size: $2.88

This is a really top-notch lotion. I have the usual dry skin summer problems and this clears those up right away. It has a lemongrass-ish smell, but it doesn’t linger. The cream takes a long time to absorb, but it’s completely worth it in my opinion.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel

This acid-free peel gently exfoliates for instantly softer, smoother, brighter skin. Apply to clean face, wait 30 seconds, and massage to slough off dull, dry skin. Rinse away.

Full size: $48

Sample size:$4.80

It is really disconcerting to see whole giant swaths of your skin come off. This doesn’t burn or tingle at all. You could be rubbing water on your face and get the same feeling. But then my skin just came off. It was really gross, but really nice. It’s like having a whole new face when you’re done.

Total value: $22.90 + magazine subscription ($9.99) = $32.89

This was another great box. I’m already looking forward to August, although this month Ipsy is also coming in, so there’s a little competition there. We’ll have to see!