Birchbox: January 2015

I am starting to love my mid-month packages these days!  It seems all of my subscription boxes were delivered within the same week this month, so I have some catching up to do!  My Birchbox arrived in the mail a little over a week ago, but I wanted to take my time using some of the samples before I gave you an honest review on these products.  I learned from my last box that some products require multiple uses before you see results.  I liked this box much better than last month’s, because I have actually incorporated them into my morning beauty routine.  They are products that actually match my lifestyle, and some I plan on purchasing in the near future.

How cute are these boxes?!

 

1.) theBalm cosmetics Stainiac

 

This was surprisingly my most favorite item of the box this month.  I have always been terrified of bold-color lipsticks and lip stains.  I just never thought it looked good on me, as I prefer natural shades and nudes. I mean, my chapstick has always been good enough for me. When I opened my box, I looked at my husband in horror, because the stain just looked too intense for my taste.  He knows that I am not adventurous when it comes to my make-up. It was a deep berry color, and it even doubles as a liquid blush.  After some encouragement, Hunter convinced me to just give it a try.  Hesitantly, I applied a small amount to my lips.  And to my surprise, it gave my lips the perfect amount of color without being overwhelming.  Now, this lip stain is my final step in my morning makeup rountine, I am hooked!  I wanted to show you an example of the subtle color this stain gives you.  After I tried to take pictures of my lips for this post, I realized that I will never have a future in “lipstick modeling”, so I quickly deleted the horrendous photos for your best interest.  You’re welcome! 🙂

2.) Essential Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion

 

I got some lotions in last month’s box that I was not pleased with, but mainly because they were hand lotions.  I just don’t use lotion on my hands often, so I was happy to receive some body lotion in this box.  I have used it a few times, and I love it so far!  Some people might turn their nose up at the smell, since it smells hippie-ish and somewhat like a medical product.  However, I love using Rosemary, and other essential oils primarily for the benefits they provide.  If the smell does annoy you, it is only brief since it dissipates relatively quickly after you apply it to your skin.  It does it’s job as a lotion, and that is all that matters to me.  I may not purchase the full-size product, but I love using it while it lasts!

3.) Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal Eye & Face

 

This product is another one of my favorites from the box.  I am still not sure of what it is supposed to “treat”, but it is one heck of a concealer.  I think this tiny sample bottle will last a very long time since you don’t need to apply much to your skin AT ALL.  I use it on a few blemishes that appear from time to time, and it truly covers everything you want to hide.  It also does a great job at minimizing the appearance of pores.  This is definitely the best concealer I have tried in a very long time.  Whenever I finish using this sample, I will definitely buy a full-size version of Miracle Skin.

4.) Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

 

I am a huge fan of this stuff!  I don’t think I need a cream to hide wrinkles or dark spots at this age, but I really enjoy how awake my eyes feel after applying this product under my eyes.  It is not oily, which is always a huge concern of mine.  My skin feels tighter around my eyes, and gives it a little extra moisture before I apply my makeup in the mornings.  I also apply it to some other areas of my face just to feel a little more rejuvenated for the day.  I will definitely purchase this very soon, as it has already been incorporated into my daily routine and I can’t live without it!

5.) Curl Keeper by Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Gel

 

I don’t have curly hair, but I do “scrunch” it from time to time.  I thought this would be a great product to use for the days I chose to go “wavy”, but it wasn’t everything I had hoped for.  Maybe I didn’t use it correctly, but it didn’t help my curls or waves hold very well.  I will try it one other time, and if it doesn’t work, then I will toss it for good.  But for now, I don’t plan on purchasing a full-size version of this any time soon.

 

I love testing out all these new products every month, and I can’t wait to get my next box of goodies.  They just keep getting better every month!  Thanks for reading, and keep checking back for more reviews on my subscription boxes very soon!

Love Always,

Jillian Wade

 

Birchbox: December 2014

My hubby gave me one of the most awesome gifts for Christmas.  He got me my first Birchbox!  Little did he know of the domino-effect he was about to set into motion with my subscription obsessions.  I love gifts that keep giving throughout the year, and this little box certainly does just that.  I received my first box just before New Year’s Eve, and I was anxious to try all the new products right away.

 

1.) The first product I tried was the Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel.  I love a good skin product that saves me a trip to the Dermatologist.  This peel was very gentle, with little to no irritation.  I might have to use it a few more times before I can truly give an honest opinion, but so far, I have no complaints.  My face did feel smoother, but no drastic aesthetic improvements after the first use.  I will keep you posted on my final remarks on the product in a few weeks!

2.) The second product I tried was the Lord & Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil.  I rarely use eyeliner, and I would not particularly be inclined to use this eyeliner again.  The eyeliner is black with glitter, and unless you use eyeliner very heavily, the glitter is barely noticeable.  I tried it out for New Year’s festivities, simply because it was fitting for the occasion.  I have no complaints, but I just don’t use eyeliner that often.  I am an eyelash kind of girl, so mascara is clearly more my thing.  I like to stick to the basics, so I probably won’t be purchasing glittery eyeliner in the near future.  However, I would definitely consider a simple black eyeliner!

 

3.) The next product I tested was English Laundry Signature For Her perfume.  Oh my gosh, this stuff smells incredible.  I probably rotate between two fragrances throughout the year, but now I really want a full-size bottle of this scent.  It is a very feminine, light scent that is not overbearing like some others can be.  I was surprised that I loved it as much as I did! One spray is all you need.  My husband actually loves when I wear it, and even complimented me on the fragrance.  That is rare coming from him, so I will definitely be using this more often in the future!

4.)  The fourth item from my box was TOCCA Crema da Mano Luxe – Hand Cream.  I like to use lotion occasionally, but I never have enjoyed hand creams.  My hands get sweaty from time to time, and I just do not like the feeling of greasy hands.  I mean, I go to the extent of having my husband apply lotion to my legs after I shave because I hate getting lotion on my hands.  It smelled great, and was very light, but not light enough for me to consider using again.  If you like hand creams and lotions, then you would probably love the product, but it just was not for me!

5.) Last, but not least, I decided to try COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face.  I was rather surprised that I liked the product.  It is a mineral-based moisturizer, so it did not leave my face feeling or looking oily.  Now I can definitely incorporate a product like this into my beauty regimen.  And it has SPF 30, so it is beneficial for my skin.  Honestly, it appeared to hide some of my pores! I have gotten so many compliments on how smooth my face looks since I have started using this cream.  There is no scent either, which I really liked.  I definitely will consider purchasing this in the future!

 

In conclusion, I feel like I discovered some really fun products! I have noticed some improvements in my skin since using a few of the products, and I am excited to see the progress over the next few weeks.  Hopefully you have been inspired to try some of these products for yourself, or at least start a Birchbox subscription! I am hooked.  I hope you have a wonderful first day of 2015, and I wish you all the best in the upcoming year.

Thanks for reading!

Jillian Wade