Birchbox

The box of fun arrived (a few weeks ago, slacker).

Curl Keeper Gel: Finishing off an old pack and then I'll break into this one.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner:  I don't see anything special about this cleaner.  On a bright note, it didn't burn or give me more blemishes like others I've sampled.

Pixi Shea Lip Balm in Honey Nectar: Hell has froze!  I finally got a lip product I love!  Goes on pretty clear, doesn't taste or feel nasty and hasn't given me a cold sore.  Woohooooo!

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: I was pleasantly surprised by this cleaner.  I thought it would be harsh and instead of it easy in the skin and didn't leave a film.  Great scent too.

Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream: Everything about this product was junk.  Cheap packaging,  ugly container and junky lotion.  $16 ha, I wouldn't pay $1.

Not a bad month at all, I did find lip stuff after all :)

Birchbox

Aloxxi Thickening Serum:  I'm scared to try it.  The last thing I need is thicker hair.  One day when I've finished my current sample of curl creme and have no where to be,  maybe I'll get brave.

Harvey Prince Ageless: This perfume has no scent.  It's so light and plain that it's not noticeable. 

ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer: The sample arrived in a million pieces and looks too dark for my skin.  I'll regift to my bronzer loving sister.

SeaRx Lotion: It smells clean and isn't greasy, but the tube surely doesn't look like something you'd sell $30 lotion in.   Presentation people!

Whish Shaving Cream: Awful product.  Possibly the worst shaving product I've ever tried.  FAIL.

I might be extra cranky this month, but this box wasn't a hit.   Luckily I cashed in on my free $50 worth of products which made it a whole lot better.  Face wash, mascara,  a compact and deodorant wipes all for free.   

I also called customer service when I realized my order was missing a piece (sample pack) and they're now resending that freebie and a new bronzer to replace my broken one.  Birchbox Customer Service gets 2 thumbs up :)

Birchbox

Keith yelled from the driveway, "Look Perry my box arrived",  so of course I grabbed it and checked out my loot.  It's a good month :)

Beauty Protector Protect and Treat Mask: I like this brand and was excited to see 2 containers in the box!  This stuff smells great and I'm always on board for anything that helps my broken hair.  The 20 minute wait to rinse is only OK for baths instead of showers, but I won't complain about being forced to relax.

Cynthia Rowley Black Eyeliner: Goes on smoothly and stays put.  I'm anti eyeliner that needs sharpened and doesn't have a smudger on the tube, so I'll use it up,  but would never purchase.

Harvey Prince Imperial Gardenia: I smell flowery (shocking, I know).  It's not really my favorite,  but I'll use it up.  It's not old lady flowery so that helps lol.  Keith liked it!

Marcelle New Age 8 in 1 Power Serum: This goes on well and doesn't leave my face oily or make it feel like there's a mask on it.   I'm anxious to see if it firms and lifts as promised ;)  Smells fine too.

NAOBAY Body Radiance Lotion: When I read it was organic with avocado, I was slightly nervous,  but it went on easily,  didn't feel greasy and smelled very citrusy.  My dry skin seemed a bit softer this morning.

Obviously this box gets 2 thumbs up simply because it didn't have lip junk.  I liked all the products and will definitely use them all!

Birchbox Goes Big

My Birchbox was a jackpot this month!

I'm not sure how I scored so much good loot but I loved it. 

Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: I love exfoliating face cleaners. Somehow the grit makes me feel like I've removed extra nastiness from my face.  This tube definitely didn't disappoint. 

Davines Love Shampoo,  Smoothing  Conditioner and Ol All In One Smoother: 3 different products!  The shampoo was a nice sized bottle and the other two were packets.   I loved this stuff.   It foamed well, washed well and rinsed out well.   Honestly,  if it didn't smell like grapefruit I'd consider splurging on this line.

LAQA & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil: Heidi reviewed this purple tube and said it was good stuff aside from making her look like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show.  Since it wasn't sticky or nasty, lip junk wearers might want to consider trying one of their more normal colors.

Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol: Not too greasy and definitely restored some moisture after my exfoliation.  I don't like that you have to cover it with sunscreen during the day so I use it at night.  Hopefully this kicks my crow's feet butts!

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris Perfume: Keith said I smelled like stale cotton candy.  Ain't that sweet?  Jokes on him,  I'll use up the rest of the tube cause I'm cheap like that.

Good job, Birchbox.  Keep up the fabulousness next month :)

Birchbox

This month my box showed up right before we left for vacation.  I finally made time to play "beauty shop" and give the products a whirl.  Here's my ten cents:

Gilchrist and Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion: Love this lotion.  It smells clean and light.  It's not greasy and absorbs quickly.   The $15 price tag isn't too far fetched either. 

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow: Feels like liquid foundation and I despise liquid foundation.  I'll use it up add cover up,  but surely won't be smeering it all over my face. 

Noya Beauty Summertime Peach Lip Gloss:  According to my sister it's sticky,  tacky colored and totally nasty.   I of course think this about all lip products,  so I'll have to take her word on it.  

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Face Cleanser: OMG this stuff burns.   The warning of redness and tingling is ridiculous;  it just straight up burns.   I couldn't get it rinsed off quickly enough.  

Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curls: It's the season of the ponytail.  I'll let you know when I finish up my current trial packet and break this one open.   

Overall, a good box to play with.   Lip products always get a boo from me,  but the rest was fun to try out.  

Birchbox

Another box,  another review.

Color Club Gems Collection:  Heirloom Pearls is a fun silver nail polish.  It seems to go on easily and stay put,  but it smells SO much like acetone that it gave me a mini headache.  The price is good (set of 4 for $13), but I'd only use the silver and pink,  not the blue and green so I'll pass on purchasing.

Nazelie Skincare Moisturizing Night Cream: Two words - Bacon grease.  Ew Ew Ew. Greasy texture plus nasty scent.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo plus an added Reconstructing Masque: My head feels clean, but no healthier than when I started.  The faint vanilla scent doesn't leave my hair smelling "pretty" and the price tag is way too high so again,  I'll pass.

TheBalm How About Them Apples Cheek and Lip Cream: By now everyone knows I don't do lip junk and this used as blush made me look ready for Halloween.  Pass haha

KIND Snacks Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds:  The surprising high point of this box.  It was a little sea salty for my taste, but it got me interested in trying their other flavors.  

That's the 411 on my April box.   As usual,  the box arrival was a highlight of the month (Hello pathetic life).  Until next time.....

Birchbox Love

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper  I love trying frizz fighting products.  This was a typical clear curl gel that did the trick.  I wouldn’t pay the extra cost for this product when I can get something similar in stores for half the price, but I will definitely use the whole sample. I liked that it didn’t feel greasy or smell funny. 

Inika Eyeliner in Green Lagoon  Thank you Birchbox for making me try something I would never try otherwise – green eyeliner.  It went on easily and was a nice change from my basics: black, brown or gray.  I am not a big fan of having to sharpen eyeliner, but at least this one came with the sharpener on the cap to make it easier.  It’s definitely not a $20 investment I will be making, but the sample will be used up!

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume  My sister smelled me a few hours after I had applied this and demanded that I purchase it.  Apparently I smelled quite good, unfortunately the price tag of $120 doesn’t smell so good to me (or my budget) so again, this sample will be enjoyed and added to my “When I become a millionaire wish list.”

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum  I will admit that I don’t wear sunscreen on a daily basis (HATE THE SMELL) but this product makes an amazing eye make-up primer. The smell is a little better than most sunscreen and it made my make-up hold on all day.  The anti-aging properties surely can’t hurt these old crow’s feet either!

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream  This stuff smells amazing!!  I’ve only tried it on my arms and hands, but so far, I am a fan.  It has a slight tint and doesn’t leave a greasy feel behind.  Depending on the prices in stores, I might splurge for this one!

Since I discovered Birchbox through a blog, I thought I’d share the love on mine!!   It’s a great, cheap way to pamper yourself each month!!  Birchbox

Birchbox Time!

The little cardboard box showed up and I demanded the husband open it while I drive down the road so I can gawk at my goodies.  Definitely not the most exciting loot, but it’s still good stuff.

Protect and Oil Beauty Protector:  I’ve never tried hair oil before, which doesn’t make much sense for a frizzy, curly haired girl, but this stuff was pretty good.  It wasn’t greasy and didn’t stay on my hands after applying.  I think it helped tame my damaged, winter-frizzed hair.  I won’t be rushing out to buy it, but I will continue to slap it on my wet hair when the thought crosses my mind.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Definer:  Finally found something that tones down my shiny nose and forehead.  I will definitely be using this stuff for photos, special occasions and anytime I have that funny glare coming off my skin.  It doesn’t take much product to get the job done, so the small tube should last me a while.

Joan Vass L’eau Cristal Perfume: I think I smelled like a roasted vanilla bean.  My husband seemed to like the smell.  I have never been a patchouli kind of girl and I have no clue what bergamot is, so I will be passing on purchasing this scent.

OPI Sheer Tints in Don’t Violet Me Down: I love getting nail polishes in the boxes.  I was excited to try this top coat, but the purple isn’t exactly me.  I think I looked frostbit or that I was lacking in oxygen, but I could see myself using this product in pink or another neutral color. 

Harney and Sons Fine Teas:  I am not a fancy tea drinker.  I like plain ole Lipton and sometimes will splurge on a flavored tea at a restaurant.  Needless to say, I would have preferred they send me a k-cup over a tea bag any ole day. 

Overall, it was an ok month.  Definitely celebrating that there was no lip junk involved.  At least I had free gift time at Clinique to make this month a little brighter!!  (You can’t beat Clinique eye liner!!)

Birchbox Bounce Back

My box showed up in the mail a few days ago.  I was worried about opening it because I had decided that 2 more bad boxes would equal a break up.  Luckily, my monthly date got the message that I was giving it the cold shoulder and stepped up its game.

Here is the Holly Review of the Month:

Coastal Scents Revealed Eye Shadow:  Finally, some make-up aside from lip gloss!!  I was excited about the four colors and tried it first thing the next morning.  I love the way it goes on and glimmers, but it just doesn’t seem to have much staying power.  I think I’ll stick to my cheap brand and save myself the $34.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips: Ok, first off, bad name for product.  Second, it tastes awful!!  Yummy taste is the only thing that makes me consider Chapstick so I struggle to even put this on.  This petroleum jelly taste is gnarly.  I think my lips are peeling more now too.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy: I love all of their perfumes so far and definitely plan to add one of them to my birthday list this year.  I agree with Birchbox on this one – it is fun and happy.

Serge Normant Dry Conditioner:  I have not had a chance to try this yet.  Honestly, I thought it was another dry shampoo until I read the description card.  My winter hair might actually like this product!!

Under Armour Braided Mini Headband: My favorite item in the box.  I lose headbands off my odd shaped noggin all the time. This puppy is pretty, bright and stays put.  Score!!  Almost makes me want to go workout….almost.

So, Birchbox has redeemed itself.  We will continue to date through February.

Birchbox Bust

Well, Birchbox was a big ole Scrooge this month.  I am hoping this is not the new norm.  The box was small and pretty dull.  I would normally post a picture of the goods, but I got a new phone (I won’t miss an announcement again, Jenni) and the picture I snapped is stuck on the old one, so you will have to use your imagination. 

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy:  First off, it has made me sing a song by my beloved Bush.  This stuff smells and feels amazing.  I’ve coated up my hands and elbows (they’re close enough to my hands) several times and then sniff myself continuously.   My hands are a little less dry, but it hasn’t saved me from the winter cracked cuticles. 

Harvey Prince Hello Perfume:  Smells great and seems to last throughout the day.  Will definitely use up the tube, but won’t be rushing out to purchase.

Jouer Lip Gloss: Again, I will wear lip stick or lip gloss at my funeral, not before then.  This will be passed along to my family members.  Note:  Dear Birchbox, PLEASE give an opt out option for certain categories aka don’t send me lip junk!!

Klorane Dry Shampoo:  When I saw this, I instantly said ugh.  I’ve had horrible luck with dry shampoo in the past.  It usually makes my hair greasier and oilier.  This one on the other hand seemed to help.  I managed to leave the house with Day 3 hair (just to run an errand) and at no point did I see my reflection and wince. 

Fatty Sundays Toasted Coconut Pretzel Sample:  First off, my pinky finger is bigger than this thing and second off it was dry.  Please note I normally don’t whine about food, but after the huge candy bar last month, this was a bit of a letdown. 

So there you have it, the mini box for Christmas.  Maybe the Grinch got the good stuff, because Holly surely didn’t.  You better step it up Birchbox, or I will be adding “Cancel unnecessary memberships” to my New Years Resolution list. 

You've Got Mail

It is ridiculous how excited I get over these little boxes.  Birchbox arrived a few days ago and of course I ripped into it!!  I feel like they give me a right to go for a good long soak in the tub and pamper myself. 

Beauty Protector Shampoo and Conditioner – Just another shampoo and conditioner; nothing extraordinary.  Seeing the word vegan on them made me worry, but they both smelled good and seemed to get my hair clean.  I’m not going to rush out and purchase them, but I will definitely finish off the samples. 

Color Club On The Rocks Nail Polish – Haven’t actually given myself a pedi yet, but this will be a fun color to use on the paint all nails one color and paint a random nail another color.  I’m not sure I would want all of my toes shiny silver, but at least it is a fun color to mix things up. 

Dr Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm – This helped cover my darn PCOS acne (which is the most annoying thing ever) but didn’t seem to moisturize like it promotes.  Basically just felt like another foundation product.  I did like that the color was a good match for my skin.  I’ll pack it around in my make-up bag to cover up the bumps and dark circles. 

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Noir Perfume – My sister has worn this for years, and I love the smell of it.  It may make its way onto my Christmas list.

Ghiradelli Toffee Crunch Bar – The husband stole this.  Somehow he thinks that he is entitled to one item out of each box.  I surely didn’t need the calories, but kudos to Birchbox for sending a full size candy bar lol

Overall, a good box.  I’ll already stalking the mailbox for the next one…..wondering if it will be something great for Christmas!!!

BirchBox Take 2

First off, let me say that it is sad that my husband has quickly noticed how excited I get over the small cardboard box that shows up once a month.  He knew I was having a bad day and told me there was something on the kitchen counter to cheer me up.  Hello October box!!

The Holly review

1. Folle de Joie perfume – doesn’t stink, doesn’t smell great.  I don’t think it had much staying power either.   I surely won’t be spending $98 to stock up on this one.
2. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleaner and Muslim Cloth – I tried this in the bathtub last night and found it refreshing.  The cloth definitely worked better than my standard washcloth.  My skin felt cleaner after a good washing.  If it happens to help these darn breakouts I have been having, I would be willing to splurge on the $21.50 price tag. 
3. Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls – Hello big ole curls.  Used in conjunction with my other products (gel, mousse, hairspray…..I have a ton of frizzy hair), this product seemed to work well.  I didn’t notice a huge difference between my current styling crème so I doubt I switch, but still a good product.
4. POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer – this is where I think Birchbox needs an upgrade.  I REFUSE to wear lipstick or lip gloss.  I would rather saw my lips off with a dull knife than coat them in colored goo.  I plan to pass this along to a friend, but for me personally, I wish I could opt out of colored lip stuff.
5. ChapStick 8 hour moisture Hydration Lock – They throw a mass market item in occasionally and this one was a huge hit with me.  Please note that Chapstick does not fall into the same goo category as I ranted about above.  I really like this product and will definitely buy it again. 

Overall, October made me happy.  My lips are moisturized, my curls are bouncy and my face is a little cleaner.  In a few weeks, I’ll be stalking the mailbox again =)

Birchbox

I am a simple, plain Jane girl.  I wear the same jewelry most days of the week, fix my hair the same 3 ways and use the same basic cosmetics every morning.  I think paying large sums of money for beauty products is a complete waste of money. 

My usuals:

Shampoo and Conditioner – whatever is on sale at Target or WalMart

Styling products (curly, thick hair….it takes a lot) –

Hairspray and Gel– Suave Max Hold

Mousse – Suave Captivating Curl Cream Mousse

Soap – Plain old Dial

Make-up – pretty much the same stuff I’ve used all my life.  CoverGirl powder foundation, eye shadow trios, CoverGirl Lash Bash Volume waterproof mascara.  About a year ago I got crazy and became addicted to Clinique eyeliner; however, I only pay for them during free gift sales.  Getting all the extras softens the blow to the wallet.

Nail polish: OPI or Essie

Perfume: Vera Wang Princess is my favorite

So basically, cheap and simple is the theme here.  So after reading a blog linked to my friend’s blog (stalker much?!), I decided to try to broaden my horizons.

I signed up for Birchbox.  It’s basically a monthly box of high end, sample size, beauty products.  I’m hoping that I never find some $50 item that I can’t live without, but I just wanted to try new things and add a little spice to my life.

My first box came a few days ago.  I was sad to see that something had leaked a bit, but overall everything was still in good condition.  Here’s my review of the goods.

September Box:

Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray $27: 

Pros: Smells great – like coconuts and beaches.  Makes hair smell great and not sticky.

Cons: MegaVolume….they weren’t lying when they said this stuff gives you oomph.

Overall: Might be great for carefree vacation hair, but won’t be part of my normal routine.

Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. Skin Perfecting Polisher $38:

Pros: Doesn’t leave face feeling greasy.

Cons: Doesn’t really leave face feeling any different.

Overall:  As shown above, I have no face washing/care routine whatsoever.  This didn’t do anything fabulous that made me want to start a routine.

Le Couvent Des Minimes Gardner’s Hand Healer $8-19:

Pros: Cute mini tube will be great for my purse. 

Cons: Kinda greasy and doesn’t have a to die for scent.  Didn’t really notice a change in my hands after use.

Overall: I’m sticking to my standard lotion

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Fox Hunt $10:

Pros: Cute travel size bottle and a fun summer color.

Cons: Not something I would consider for my nails for work.

Overall: I haven’t actually done a full pedi with this so I can’t rate the stay on power, but I am excited to try it out.

GlamNatural Cream Blush $32:

Pros: 3 different color choices with enough product in each for 2-3 days.  Shows up better and stays on longer than powder blush.

Cons: 2 colors are great…the 3^rd, hello Circus make-up.

Overall: I hate liquid make-up on my face; therefore won’t be rushing to add this to my routine.