Birchbox April 2015

Since Ipsy just came, it must be time for Birchbox! The box this month was really beautiful, a collaboration with Rifle Paper Co., who make beautiful things. Unfortunately, the pretty box was about all that was working for this.

This month:

Darphin Hydraskin Intensive Skin-Hydrating Serum

Infused with a potent hydration complex, this treatment moisturizes and revives skin. Apply a small amount to clean face, messaging in upward motions to absorb.

You always need a new serum, right? To be honest, I have so many serum samples that there just isn’t a place for more. I go through them so slowly that they are just hanging around. I like this serum. It’s light and goes on smoothly and sinks in fast without leaving my skin sticky. But it just isn’t special, and that’s really what I need right now.

Full size: $76

Sample size: $11.90

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain

This multitasking, long-lasting color adjusts to your skin for a natural, customized shade. Glide onto lips. Dab onto cheeks and blend well.

I’m not sure if I just don’t have the right pH, but this isn’t changing color for me. It doesn’t make me look gently flushed or anything. It’s just clear. So clear. It’s also tiny. I kind of expect more from Birchbox, and I’m just not getting it this month.

Full size: $25

Sample size: I want to say $2.50, but there is no way to tell. It’s so tiny though.

Obliphica Professional Intensive Hair Serum

This lightweight formula restores colored, dry, or damaged hair for soft and shiny strands. Rub a few drops between palms. Smooth onto clean, damp hair or your finished look.

Another serum! I’m still working on my other ones from Glossybox and from Ipsy, but I go through them so much more quickly than the face serums, so I don’t mind having them around. This also has a really nice smell, so I’m looking forward to using it.

Full size: $38

Sample size: $4.47

WEI Manuka Bee Venom Mask

This treatment firms, softens, and minimizes fine lines, with a warm tingle as it works. Brush mask onto clean face, avoiding eyes, 1-2 times weekly. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse.

This is the most terrifying product I’ve ever gotten. I’m not allergic to bees. I’ve been stung recently, so I know for sure I am not. But what if the “warm tingle” is actually an intense burning, or some accidentally gets in my eyes and it swells shut!? Despite my apprehension, I did try this out, and it worked…reasonably well. I don’t really have any fine lines or wrinkles, but it did make my skin feel smooth and soft. The feeling didn’t last very long, so I’ll be passing in future. Seriously though, do not use if bees are a problem.

Full size: $60

Sample size: $7.50

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Coconut

An ultrahydrating, shea butter-packed shaving cream that helps prevent ingrown hairs. Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave.

I’ve gotten the Whish Shave Crave before and was definitely not a fan based on the smell. I think that one was grapefruit. I’m not pleased at getting such a similar product for the third (!) time, but I definitely like the coconut scent better. I’m not going to budge off my Skintimate Shave Gel that I’ve been using since like 2006, so there’s that to contend with too.

Full size: $20

Sample size: $3

Well. That’s it. The whole box. The total value is $29.37, using an approximation on the Jane Iredale lip tint. I paid $10.

Not your best, Birchbox. Please try harder next month. I would really like to love you, but you need to step it up.