October 2012 Birchbox

Hey everybody! Today I received my October birchbox, and the theme was transformations. So, this box contains samples focused on jazzing up your everyday routine. 

The first sample is a Harvey Prince fragrance, in the scent Eau Flirt. Normally, I'm not too fond of fragrance samples since they usually smell grandmotherly. However, I really like this perfume since it contains citrus and jasmine notes for an all around fresh and fruity scent. But that's not the best part! It claims to be clinically proven to attract men. See, this saves a lot of time for me. Instead of making a milkshake to bring all the boys to my yard, this scent can apparently do that for me. How nice!

The next product is the Mox Botanicals Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter. I'm a huge lip balm junkie, and I hope that this lives up to my beloved EOS lip balm! It seems to have the same thick consistency, and smells wonderful! Even though I'm not a huge fan of the potted packaging, I'm willing to give this a shot. 

Next we have the City Sunscreen Serum by Supergoop! I'm not entirely sure why it's called a "city sunscreen", but I'm really interested in a serum form of sunscreen. I'm hoping it doesn't leave a white cast, since high-SPF sunscreens have a tendency to do that. 

I'm super excited for this sample! I've heard only great things about theBalm Cosmetics, and I've been itching to try some of their products for months now. The Mary-Lou Manizer in particular has had great reviews, and I can't wait to try it! From what I've swatched of it, the highlighter seems very creamy and leaves a nice sheen, not obnoxious chunks of glitter. I also adore the fabulous packaging! 

Last, we have the lifestyle extra with is the LUNA Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter bar. I've also heard great things about LUNA, and have wondered about it for quite a while now. I love energy and protein bars for breakfast or snacks on the go. The last food extra I was sent in my birchbox was the KIND bar, which I fell in love with! As a result, I have high hopes for this bar. 

Here's an overview of my box. This box was a bit lighter than usual, but I'm excited for a majority of the samples in here. I definitely prefer quality over quantity! 

I hope you enjoyed! 
<3 Lucero 

Song of the Day: Little Things by One Direction

September 2012 Birchbox

Hey everybody! Today's post is an unboxing of my September 2012 birchbox. I know it's late, but Birchbox doesn't ship to military addresses, so my lovely grandma sends them over! 

Here's an overview of what I got this month. 

The theme for this box is fall fashion and trends. In fact, Birchbox even included a mini look-book to provide inspiration for this season's trends. 

Here's the handy list included with every box, detailing each item. 

First up, we have the Nexus sample combo. It is a trial size of the Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System, and includes the shampoo, conditioner, and leave in treatment. I really enjoy how it comes with the whole system, because it always irks me when samples say "This product works best with our entire line...". Now I can try out the entire system! 

 Next up we have the Benefit Cosmetics facial wash and exfoliating combo. I've heard great things about the Benefit skincare line and am happy to give this a try! 

The first product on the left is the Youngblood mineral primer. It's to be used on the face prior to foundation or other face products. I have combination skin, so a product to help my makeup stay on all day is a welcome sight. 

The item in the middle is the Color Club nail polish in Status Update. It's a gorgeous mid-toned gray color, perfect for the fall time. I've received a Color Club polish before, and was impressed with the opacity and lasting power. 

The product on the very right is a twist band hair tie. These hair ties are phenomenal, and I have previously purchased a pack of 12, and I'm happy to add another to my collection. 

My lifestyle extra is the Mighty Leaf tea bags in Green Tea Tropical, Vanilla Bean, and Chamomile Citrus. I'm currently sipping on the Chamomile flavor, and I'm in love! It's a perfect night-time unwinding tea, and I enjoy how the bags contain whole leaves and flower, it's not all ground up. I'm excited to try out the other two! 

I hope you enjoyed! 
<3 Lucero

Song of the Day: Everything Counts by Depeche Mode 
Interesting fact, I woke up today with this song's chorus playing in my head. I think it was the background music in my dream! 

August Birchbox 2012

Hey everybody!

Here are the products I got in my August birchbox. The theme was back to school, and contained beauty essentials. Even the information card looked like an info pamphlet. 

The first product I picked up was the Schick razor and is the Birchbox "extra" (which I find odd, since it's the only full sized product). I really needed to throw out my old razor, so this was perfect! So far, I like it because it's lined with some sort of moisturizer and has 5 blades. 

Next we have the beauty fixation cuticle conditioner. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I think the idea is pretty nifty. There are 24 cotton swabs that are hollowed out in the plastic part, and filled with the cuticle conditioner. In order to release the conditioner, simply twist one end of the swab (think glow stick!). 

Here we have two products from Wei. The first is the Pomegranate Buffing Beads, which are dry and gritty beads that you add to your regular face cleanser. It helps with exfoliation, and I enjoyed the smell!  The other product is the Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask, which I'm excited to use. 

Then we have the fragrance sample, which typically comes in most if not all of the boxes. This one comes from Juicy Couture, and in the Viva La Juicy "La Fleur" perfume. I'm not a fan of the original scent, but I'm surprised to find that I like this one! It has a fun, flirty, floral scent as the name suggests. 

Lastly we have some Stila single-use face samples. This little packet includes a BB cream, foundation, and concealer. However, I'm not sure if I can use it since the foundation and concealers seem several shades too dark. 

Here's an overview of all of the entire box, to get a sense of scale amongst the samples. Overall, I'm once again pleased with this month's box. I think my favorite product is the razor, even though it's so practical! 

Until next time,

<3 Lucero

July Birchbox 2012

Hey everybody!

Here's an overview of what I've received in this month's Birchbox.  I've been subscribed to Birchbox for over a year now, and I'm completely in love! If you're unaware, Birchbox is a monthly subscription where you receive a box full of around 5 deluxe beauty samples. It's perfect for trying out new products, without fully having to commit. At $10 per month, it's a fun little treat to look forward to. 

Recently, Birchbox has been teaming up with different companies to provide themed boxes. There's been a Cynthia Rowley Box, a Gossip Girls' Box, and this month was the Glamour [Magazine] Box! It was filled with favorites from Glamour Magazine. 

The first product is by BeautyBlender, and it's the original beauty blender sponge. It's a reusable makeup sponge that can be used for a multitude of products, such as setting foundation or patting on cream blush. I already have a larger size, but I'm so happy to have a smaller one! I love the hot pink color, too! 

The next sample I received was the perfume Hello, from Harvey Prince. I've never heard of this brand of perfume, but I'm really enjoying this month's perfume sample! It has strong citrus notes, with hints of floral scent. I think it'll be a great little perfume to toss into my purse this summer. 

Next in the box was the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Bronze. I've received lip products from Jouer, and even purchased a full size gloss several months ago. the Jouer lip gloss was one of my box favorites, and is to date my favorite formulation. It's shiny and smooth, but not sticky. This moisturizer didn't let me down either! Birchbox even sent the correct color for me- I was pleasantly surprised! It provides decent coverage, but is not too heavy. Great for the summer! 

Here we have a Stila Lip Glaze in Camera. Now, I've purchased this product before, and wasn't a huge fan of the formulation. It looks great, but can feel very sticky if applied too heavily. However, this is a beautiful color, so I'll find a way to make it work. 

Next, we have some Birchbox extras. They're usually not beauty related, but are fun lifestyle extras. I received a pack of "minteas" from Tea Forté. They're mints infused with tea extract for quick little pick-me-ups throughout the day.

Lastly, I received a pair of specially designed neon earbuds. This probably made me happiest, since I've badly need a pair after misplacing my other earbuds. They're fun, pink, and pretty- what more could I ask for?!

Here's a quick look at everything in the box, just so you get an idea of the scale. 

 Overall, I absolutely adored this month's box! I considered unsubscribing a few times in the past, but I'm glad I didn't. Birchbox has exceeded my expectations, and it's been fun seeing the different themes every month!

Until next time, 

Lucero