Birchbox

My last Birchbox…

- Mel

You know that instinct when something is just not “clicking.” That’s been the relationship between me and Birchbox for, well, longer than I care to admit. Yet, I continued on, hoping that “things” would change. Those “things” mind you, were the possibility of receiving ACTUAL makeup. 

birchbox box

The monthly beauty subscription boxes were fun at first, but the excitement quickly faded. And all I was left with was yet another face moisturizer and smaller-than-a-sample size of hair treatment. Meh. 

Last month, I said goodbye to Birchbox… of course, they were still a little attached to me and my credit card — charging me for my monthly subscription and sending me the box anyway. To BB’s credit, the amount was refunded, but not until after canceling again, submitting a cancellation survey, emailing their customer service… and then tweeting about it. Again, meh. 

PS: This is one of several issues that I’ve had with their site. A prior problem was showing double items in my cart & I couldn’t remove the extra for days. And another wouldn’t let me use my points (again, eventually corrected itself).

Without further ado, the contents of the final box — JET SET box:
Faux lashes – winks by Georgie » LOVE faux lashes. SUCK at faux lashes. I can’t hate getting another pair to practice once again, however.
Shampoo – Hair Rules » yet another hair sample. BORING.
Packaged face cleanser wipes – La Fresh » I’ll use these. Straight to the skate bag!
Stainiac – theBalm cosmetics » haven’t used yet, but added it to all the other lip things that I hope to use one day. I just love my sugar fresh too much to use anything else right now.
BONUS: a printed plastic travel pouch from tili. I’ll use this, for sure. 

For what it’s worth, I would definitely recommend the sample subscription service — it’s fun and a surprise at only $10 a month. I’m just underwhelmed by the promise of AWESOME THINGS and frequently disappointed in return. 

Alas, for now I bid adieu, Birchbox!

Back to Beauty: new Birchbox – and a worthy charity

- Mel

I FINALLY received this month’s Birchbox. Which means, I’m FINALLY back for a new post. This month, Birchbox is donating 100% of its profits from full-size product purchases to Baby Buggy. The packaging made me smile. I’m trying SO HARD to get into the holiday spirit.

Birchbox 30-somethings
One more try, Birchbox!

Seriously though, I still have not located my camera and its accessories since the move. The basement is getting tackled this weekend.

December’s contents:

Harvey Prince’s Yogini – The scent is supposed to calm the mind with its notes of sandalwood, grapefruit and myrrh. I really like it (and yes, the more I smelled it, the more I wanted to jump in the bottle and nap in it). Powerful front note, but fades into a beautifully balanced perfume.
Jouer Lip Gloss – an exclusive color: Birchbox Pink (might be too pink for me)
L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil – I think I’ve talked about hair oils before… not for this excessively oily head. Even on ends, makes my hair look like crap. Meh.
Befine Gentle Cleanser – hooray, I love getting cleansers! And this contains mint — one of my favorite things to breathe in while washing my face. Also: allergen & paraban free.
Show Stoppers Designer Fashion Tape – Now, to find the dress to try these out! *wink*
EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster – I’ll definitely use this, as this month has not been conducive to sleep. I need all the energy I can get most mornings.

Tell me what was in your Birchbox!

Birchbox: an underwhelming month of beauty

- Mel


November Birchbox time! 

And that’s about all the exclamation points I’m going to type about that. Again, I’m kind of underwhelmed with the sum of my monthly box, but there are a couple “treats” that make the monthly subscription still worthy.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules – eh. unless this is some magic serum… oh, it seems that it is. Thanks, Internet!
Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial – Meh. Bored with perfume samples. Would have liked something more “luxurious.” Like, some Secret de Purete makeup remover. *wink*
Thymes Eucalyptus Body Lotion & Kimono Rose Body Lotion – already had a sample of this from a hotel I’ve stayed in, in the last year or two. Love the smell; perfect for my guest bath. Looking at the ingredients, I don’t think I can use it (eczema).
Zoya nail polish in Sooki – in natural light, the formula appears more orange-red than the better-matched blue-red that I can pull off, but I’m eager to try just because I LOVE NAIL POLISH!
TREAT: Two Paper Dolls Ampersand Coasters – cute. They’ll look much better on my vanity desk than my beer coasters.

Interested in Birchbox? Check out the awesomeness.

Birchbox: worth its weight in AHAVA (my fave!)

- Mel

October’s Birchbox is worth its weight in AHAVA. I can’t even… I’m so excited to see another product from them in my box. Their creams are AMAZING.

What’s inside:

AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream — I think I’ve already said what I need to say (YAY!)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel — I still never got around to using that brand’s mascara from a previous box; excited, nonetheless. 
Number 4 Hair Reconstructing Masque – this is something I really need, as bleaching my hair has taken its toll
Sunday Riley Modern Skincare lipid serum – I’ll have to do more research on this product and what it does (aside from being a favorite of celebs and models)

And this month’s “extra” was Minteas. When I read the packaging, I got the sense that these were some sort of “weight loss” mints. Am I right about that? Again, I’ve never heard of them, but I do like tea. 

Weekly Therapy: How to Walk in High Heels

- Mel

A good challenge for ALL of us to live by!

birchbox:

Photo via Neiman Marcus.

Women tend to fall on two sides of the shoe spectrum: there’s Carrie Bradshaw with her closet full of Manolos on one end, and then there’s me with my collection of orthopedic clogs. As a lifelong klutz, I need my footwear to be as accident-proof as possible, which is why I favor the same shoes prized by emergency room nurses and the Dutch. The few pairs of heels I own have rarely seen pavement. But the ladies at Birchbox are a mighty tall and stylish bunch, and at 5’1” I wanted to measure up. So last week, I gave myself a shoe challenge: to find a comfortable way to wear high heels from morning to night. No limping, blisters, or tears allowed.   

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