July Birchbox Review

My Birchbox this month was AMAZING. This box most likely falls in the top three boxes I have ever received in my 2+ years as a Birchbox subscriber. The first product I reached for when I opened this box was the stila stay all day liquid lipstick in Venezia. I put this on immediately and loved the color, a mix of bright orange and pink. Within seconds the lipstick was dry and stayed put for a few hours. In fact, I accidentally fell asleep before taking this off and to my surprise (6 hours later) it didn't come off all over my pillow and the color was mostly intact.

I have previously received other Macadamia products in my Birchbox and enjoyed them. I was excited to try the Macadamia Professional leave-in conditioner. The description states that this light-weight conditioner is both a protector and detangler. It seemed to work well as a protectant from my curling iron without adding weight. When it came to detangling- they weren't lying when the directions state "Spray liberally." I may be impartial to other types of detangling/conditioning products because I have found THE ONE here. This does come as a close second with smell, consistency, and performance. Until they discontinue my Beauty Protector Detangler, this one will have to wait.

theBalm Desert Bronzer- Lets start with the sample size on this one. I actually laughed out loud when I read that this was a bronzer. I don't have it pictured on here, but think tiny. The color itself is a nice chocolate brown that would look great as either a bronzer or eye shadow. It was a little dark for my fair/light skin tone. It goes on easy and blends nicely, with a little going a long way. Overall I would recommend to Birchbox or theBalm to issue a shallow but wider sample packaging vs eye shadow size. Overall I would consider purchasing this brand of bronzer, in a lighter shade.

Do you ever fill a cart online in hopes that your financial situation will allow you to purchase all the items, but sadly it doesn't? When it is available, the amika Un.Done Texture Spray has been sitting in my Birchbox cart on and off for months. Then it arrived. I savored the cute little can for a week before trying it. Like all amika products I have tried, this one did not disappoint. It smells wonderful without being overpowering, it sprays evenly, is light, and effective. Back in my cart it will go (on backorder right now) to be purchased indefinitely!

It's hard to rate the items in this box because they are all great, but if I had to pick one favorite it would be the COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray. Before I opened my birchbox this month, I would say the amount of times I used a makeup setting spray was twice. Honestly, I am usually running behind and opt for simple products that can be applied quickly. To me, a setting spray seemed like a "special occasion" product. Then I tried this. I won't lie to you, I got a little in my eyes the first time (mistake) it burns. BUT it works, is organic and has SPF 30! The trifecta! Having fair/ light skin and a strong family history of Melanoma, I am so glad to have this. I am not one to wear lots of makeup to the beach or pool, usually a few waterproof things and a full-thickness sunscreen. I am getting the hang of spraying my face without flinching because the end result is worth it. I already bought the full-sized version and will continue to wear this daily and re-apply when out in the sun.

Birchbox Plus item-
As a bonus upgrade to my box, I added the Sunski Headlands Sunglasses in Pink. These UV400 polaroized sunglasses are adorable. I have taken them to the pool and wear them frequently without scratches or any issues. Would I purchase them for the full retail amount of $48? No, but for a bonus I enjoy wearing them.

Overall this was a huge win of a box for me. I apologize I haven't been posting more reviews, life has been crazy to say the least. I am getting back on schedule and have been trying lots more products so expect more reviews soon!

As always if you would like more information on Birchbox follow the link here for a referral.

February Birchbox Review

I have been a Birchbox subscriber for over a year and a half and LOVE it! For me its more than the monthly box of samples selected based on my personality, it's all the extras. Not only can you purchase the full sized version of each sample through their website, but you can review them for points that can add up to free or discounted products. My weakness- limited edition boxes. My addiction to kits and boxes full of goodies led me to Birchbox. Then the combination of samples, full sized items at a discount or free, and even more products has been dangerous to my bank account, but well worth it. And lets not even get in to the Birchbox plus items. 

The Birchbox I'll review first is my February Rent The Runway box that was this month's guest editor curated box. 

Fekkai-Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo

I can't get enough dry shampoo's right now so this was a great product for my box. Winter is upon us and it is too cold to have wet hair all the time. I also color treat my hair so skipping the occasional washing helps maintain the color and moisture. This dry shampoo smells fresh without heavy perfume, its light, and works well for adding texture and minimizing oil. I didn't find it to be overly volumizing as per the product claimed, but would definitely buy the full size version. 

derma e- Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub

Exfoliation is something I cannot live without during the colder months. I am enjoying this sample for its size, texture, and efficiency. Unlike some scrubs, a little bit will actually work its way all over your face and neck. Some scrubs stay put in the area they are applied, but this spreads easily without feeling greasy. The smell is not over powering, a clean, almost bubble-bath smell. 

Not Soap, Radio- Body Wash

Body wash- not my favorite thing to get in my Birchbox, but I am trying to broaden my bathing product horizons. This is an interesting product for Birchbox. The back of the bottle states " Love live not going according to plan." Suggesting that this particular body wash (or use in a bath), aids in seduction...(crickets). I thought what the heck I'll try it for its cleaning properties and go from there. Right from the start the smell is very strong and fruity, not for me. I filled a bath with it and the bubbles were nice. A line of men weren't waiting outside my bathroom door when I got out so who's to say it does or doesn't work in a sensual way. My boyfriend did say I smelled nice, but that was all that was said about that. I would not purchase this product in full size, but it was an interesting experiment.

Sumita- Color Contrast Eyeliner in Raina

For a slight pop of color this eyeliner is great. It is also a beast to remove. If you are looking for a long lasting dark navy eyeliner that glides on easily and smoothly, this is my recommendation. I prefer gel and kohl liners over pencil and liquid for their workability, which this one has. As a nurse, I wont be wearing this every day, but may try it on occasion for a hint of color. 

theBalm- Read My Lips

This sample is the perfect size for any purse, it smells great and the color is a neutral pink. The consistency was moderately sticky and didn't last long. Also this color was not flattering for my skin tone and hair color. 

In all, I really liked my February Birchbox and can't wait for next month!

Starting Over

Hi! My name is Abby. I was born, raised, and educated in Florida where my family still resides. I recently moved from the sketchy parts of New Orleans LA to a nice area called "The Northshore." I am a registered nurse working in the ER at one of the local hospitals. I have an amazing boyfriend, one sweet dog, and a lazy cat. 

I have seen and continue to encounter many things in this life. I try hard to help anyone and everyone I can. I am an avid believer in retail therapy, wine, and forgiveness. I am truly thankful for the things I have.

I believe that life is mysterious, magical, wonderful, difficult, rewarding, depressing, unsettling, fun, and more than anything, unpredictable. So we try to make the best of it. This blog will be my tiny shred of insight and hope. It will be my life written down and ways I make it more enjoyable and simpler. Things I love, dislike, am learning from, trying out, and sharing. Hopefully the majority of things I post will educate and entertain.

If you ever have questions or a topic you would like my opinion on, I am always more than happy to assist. Positive constructive criticism is also welcome. All of my reviews are my own honest opinions and sources of gifted products will be disclosed. Enjoy!