Birchbox March 2015
Another month, another Birchbox. I’ll spare you the excuses of why this post is so late. Let’s get to it.
This month’s box came in the prettiest packaging, but the tissue paper totally clashed. I know it was green for spring, but it was super lame. You’re usually so pretty Birchbox, let’s try harder next time.
To be honest, this month’s box was not special. It wasn’t great. I’ve had some great months from Birchbox, so I’m hoping that this is just a fluke, but it’s hard to say.
This month:
Embryolisse Lait-crème concentre (24-hour Miracle Cream)
A makeup artist must-have, this cult moisturizer moonlights as a primer and makeup remover. Apply a small amount to clean face and neck or dab on with a cotton ball to remove makeup.
The issue I have with this is that it isn’t special. It isn’t a miracle. It’s a fairly average moisturizer. It doesn’t make my face stay put together longer, so no priming effect, and it removes my makeup, but not as well as a makeup remover. Plus, spoiler, just about any lotion takes off makeup. It’s not a bad product, but Birchbox really hyped this one up only to have it not meet expectations. I’ll pass on it.
Full size: $28
Sample size: $1.87
Fekkai PrX Reparatives Shampoo
Hair-pampering formula that cleanses, strengthens, and protects tired or damaged strands. Massage into damp hair, focusing on roots. Rinse and follow with conditioner.
Are you ready for the TMI of this post? Lately I’ve been playing the “how long can I really go without washing my hair” game. The answer always seems to be yesterday. You should have washed your hair yesterday. This shampoo has been a godsend when it comes to stripping out all of the oily greasiness without leaving my hair feeling dry or brittle. It does seem to really do it all. It also doesn’t make my hair frizzy and my curls stay intact, which is just about as close to a miracle as you can get.
Full size: $20
Sample size: $5
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product
This 10-in-one treatment addresses the spectrum of hair damage, from brittleness to frizz. Smooth one or two spritzes into dry hair with your hands, then style. Use more for wet hair.
This is another product that I feel like I’ve heard about from every blogger, vlogger, and hair stylist on the planet. Even my own hairdresser has recommended this one to me more than once. It really is that good. I prefer to use it on wet hair, and so far have not been disappointed. It’s also great for smoothing out frizzies on second (or third or fifth) day hair. If you’re looking for a great detangler that makes your hair feel angel soft, pick this one up. You won’t regret it. I also think they make a keratin version, which I would be interested in trying next. I find that you do need to use a light hand though, or it can get a little weighty. I prefer to spray it into my hand two or three times and then rub it into my damp hair.
Full size: $18
Sample size: $9
Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Highlighter
This weightless gel formula gives skin a subtle pearlescent shimmer. Dab onto cheekbones and brow bones—then glow get ‘em!
A little goes a long way with this one as well. I have a lot of highlighters and I really just need to get through them because they never seem to go away This one is okay. Again, nothing special. But it works. This one is really bright though, so you may want to save it for a special occasion.
Full size: $12.75
Sample size: $12.75
Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Body Balm
Part skincare, part aromatherapy, this lush cream nourishes the skin and calms the mind. Smooth this botanical-based formula onto body, face, or hands, and enjoy the soothing scent.
This smells really nice. It has a citrus scent. I found that it didn’t sink in very well and was a thin consistency, so I’ll probably pass on this one in favour of thicker more nourishing formulas.
Full size: $29
Total value: $33.45
So, a good value, but overall only average. Hopefully next month is a little better and has a few more makeup items.
If you’re interested in Birchbox, you can check it out here. It starts from only $10 per month!
Did you get a Birchbox? Was it a disappointing month for you?