One reason I love snail mail (part 3)…

Just got my July BirchBox in the mail. 

Here’s the rundown of what was in my box (prices are for full-size product):

Earbuds:  $10 (approximately)
Color Protection:  $24
Tinted Moisturizer:  $38
Perfume:  $98
Lipstick:  $22
Fruit & Nut Bar:  $25.35 (for a box of 15 or approximately $1.69/bar)

TOTAL:  $217.35

Since I paid $10 for the trial size box I saved $207.35 (if you figure I could have purchased these in their full-sized varieties). 

Alterna Bamboo Fade-Proof Fluide

Here’s what the website says:  Weightlessly shields hair with a UVA/UVB barrier to fade-proof color while enhancing vibrancy & multi-dimensional shine.  With rinse resistant Color Hold® UV+ Technology for the highest level of color protection.  Clinically Proven to retain color and brightness for 60 washes.

 Problem:  I don’t color my hair.  In fact, the only person I know who does color their hair is my mom and she gets hers highlighted.  Can highlighted hair color fade?  I mean, it’s bleached.  I don’t think it can.  So, I’ve got to find someone who doesn’t bleach their hair and have them try this out. 

 Jourer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Here’s what the website says:  This lightweight moisturizing tint evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines with its light-diffusing multi-mineral formula. SPF 20 protects from UVA and UVB rays while Ginseng and Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract deliver antioxidants to skin, promoting a healthy complexion.  Oil Free. Hypoallergenic. Fragrance Free. Water Resistant. Perfect for all skin types.

 Problem:  The color that they sent is ‘bronze’ which is their 5^th darkest shade… and I’m part albino (not really, I’m just seriously pale).  So, when I tested this color out on my hand (definitely the most tanned part of my body) it’s reaaaally dark and noticeable.  I’d look ridiculous if I tried this out.  Sooo… my mom has mentioned that she wants to try a new foundation and she has darker and more olive-toned skin so I have a distinct feeling she’s going to get to try this baby out. 

Oscar de la Renta live in love Perfume

Here’s what the website says:  Introducing Live in Love – the new fragrance for women created by a man who adores them. Inspired by Oscar de la Renta’s passion for life, the scent is a reflection of the woman who lives each day the same, filled with joy and beauty.

It doesn’t do anything for me personally but I can see how someone would like it.  I think it’s something my mom might like so she might be getting this one as well.  It doesn’t smell bad or anything, it’s just not ‘me’.

Stila Lip Glaze in action (that’s the name of the color)

Here’s what the website says: Want lips that get all the attention they deserve? Turn on the shine and you’ll be turning heads with Stila’s most popular lip gloss.  Choose from an array of delectable shades that add a splash of color and fabulously matching flavors and scents in one easy click of this famous pen.

 Problem:  I can’t find this shade for sale (or even listed) on their website.  (note:  this is probably due to the fact that it’s from the limited edition It’s Go Time Lip Glaze Trio… but I can’t find that either).  Which sucks because I love this color.  It’s a pinky gold.  Sooo pretty.  I haven’t actually tried it on yet but it’s totally a color I would buy in the store.  I’m curious to see how it wears since it’s not long wearing.  In addition, the applicator is a little strange.  You actually turn the dial at the bottom and it pushes the gloss up in between the bristles.  I’m hoping it’s a good design but I have a feeling it’s going to be messy.  We’ll see.

LARABAR Roasted Nut Roll

Here’s what the website says:  It’s true, we’re nuts about nuts over here at LÄRABAR, and Roasted Nut Roll is a sure sign that we are still as passionate about them as ever. A sweet and salty standout, the shining stars of this bar are the almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts that bring the crunch and the flavor we go nuts for.

 Problem:  I don’t really like nuts.  So… I gave this to my friend G at work and let her try it.  Here’s what she had to say… ‘I ate the little nutty bar a little bit ago…it was very good…130 calories w/80 of those fat for 2 bites…kinda high and not sure I would want to spend the calories on it unless I didn’t have anything else…but the taste was really good.’  We all know that nuts are high in calories and in fat but supposedly it’s mostly good fat.  So, one of these little bars is probably your daily allowance for nuts.  It does have 5 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. 

 I’d definitely have to say the bar I got last time was waaaaay better.

Birchbox Earbuds

Here’s what the website says:  Whether we’re jogging through the park or powering through a laptop session, earbuds are one of our constant accessories. So we started thinking: why stick with the same boring white pair we’ve been using for years? We designed these custom pink and green or pink and blue neon earbuds so we can rock out to our favorite tunes in style. They’re extra-durable and extra-comfy—now that’s music to our ears.

Problem:  If you love these neon earbuds you’re out of luck… they’re not for sale.  Also, I have a pair already that I love and that fit my teeny tiny ears just perfect. 

All in all you’d think that I’d be bummed about this month’s box since I’m not going to end up keeping much besides the lipstick but you’d be wrong.  I’m actually really excited about the lipstick.  AND I get to give the unwanted goodies to some friends/family members and I love giving people stuff so that works out well.  I love getting goodies in the mail, don’t you?

One reason I love snail mail…

Have you heard of BirchBox?  I hadn’t, at least not until a friend of mine posted something on Facebook about it.  It made me curious so I started researching.  Here’s the deal… for $10/month they’ll send you a box full of beauty goodies.  You don’t really know what’s in the box (although they do ask you questions about your skin / eye / hair coloring, etc).  More than a few times I’ve purchased a new beauty product only to try it once or twice and absolutely hate it.  Yes, at most places you can return the product but geez what a hassle.  The concept of BirchBox is great.  They send you mostly sample sizes of new products but some full size ones as well.  The eyeliner and the nail polish I got were both ‘full size’ (although to be fair, those don’t exactly come in ‘trial sizes’ usually).  I like surprises and I definitely like fun beauty stuff so I figured, what the hell.  I can cancel whenever I want so what’s the risk?  Well, I got my first box in this weekend.  I did some research on the items and I want to give you a rundown of what I would have spent if I had gone out and purchased all of these items (at full size) and at full price….

Eyeliner:  $22
Nail Polish:  $3
Foundation:  $34
Shampoo:  $36
Conditioner:  $39
Shine Serum:  $42

TOTAL:  $176

So, basically I spent $10 to try out $176 worth of beauty products.  AND if I hate them, I don’t have to hassle with returning them.  I think I’m in love. 

What to know what was in my box?  Here’s a rundown…

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Curacao

So this morning right before I took my shower I did a test line of this eyeliner on my hand.  It’s waterproof for sure!  It took some scrubbing to get it to come off.  I can’t wait to use this stuff when we go on vacation this summer! 

(the one I got is the dark blue one second from the right)

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Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer in Disco Nap

I haven’t tried this yet but when I go for my pedicure in a few weeks I think I’m going to give it a go!

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Dr. Jart + Water Fuse BB Beauty Balm Multi-Action Skincare + Makeup SPF 25

So I’m pretty curious about this stuff.  It’s formulated for crazy hyper-sensitive skin like mine.  I don’t generally wear anything on my face (just eye makeup and lipstick) however I’m definitely going to give this stuff a shot at some point.  Here’s what Sephora has to say about the product: 

What it is:
A one-step skin perfecting balm that minimizes the need for foundation or concealer.

What it is formulated to do:
A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also hides imperfections. Made with 50 percent water, Dr. Jart’s Advanced Water Bead Technology helps hydrate and maintain healthy moisture for a dewy, fresh look. Like a drink for your skin, once applied, tiny droplets of water appear before being quickly absorbed, generating an instant soothing and cooling effect.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Kerastase Paris Cristalliste Lait Cristal & Bain Cristal with Lumiere Liquide

I received a trial size sampling of this product and at first, I wasn’t all that thrilled.  Most of that had to do with the fact that all the writing on the product is in a foreign language (I think French).  I just kept wondering ‘what the heck did they send me?’  After looking it up though, I’m excited to see what this product has to offer.  Here’s what their website has to say:

Introducing the best kept secret for long hair, Cristalliste. A product line designed specifically for young women with long hair, prone to weighed down roots and dry ends.

Kérastase’s Liquid Light Complex creates the ultimate in luminosity and shimmer. Pure and lightweight from the roots, smooth and free-flowing to the ends.

Featuring advanced technology from La Recherche Avancée L’Oréal, this daily haircare regimen maintains healthy hair while combating the causes of thinning to leave hair feeling and looking stronger, thicker and refreshed.

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I haven’t actually tried any of the products yet but my plan is to take them all with us on vacation (except for the nail polish which I’ll have put on professionally) and try them out there.  We’re going someplace where the sun is closer and the air is dryer so I’ll definitely be needing makeup with SPF and extra conditioning for my hair.  We’re also going to be in the water a lot so I’ll definitely be testing out the eyeliners claim to long-wear waterproof.  I’ll let you know how it all turns out!