September 2015's PLAY! by Sephora Box

While I can't say that I'm a subscription box addict (my budget won't allow me to be), I do love trying out different boxes. When Sephora announced last month that it was getting in the beauty subscription box game, I figured I would give it a whirl. After receiving my first box, I'm very happy that I did!

PLAY! by Sephora is very similar to Birchbox, Ipsy, and other beauty subscription boxes in its most basic details. Like these other boxes, you signup for a monthly subscription ($10 + tax per month) and get a package of deluxe samples from the brands that Sephora carries in its stores. You also get a PLAY! Book with information on the different products as well as a PLAY! Pass that, according to the box's FAQ page, you can "redeem in store for a free one-on-one learning session with a beauty expert." My PLAY! Pass also says that I can redeem it to get 50 extra Beauty Insider points with purchase (depending on your thoughts regarding Sephora and the entire "Epic Rewards/Epic Fail" debacle, your mileage on whether these points are worth anything may vary).

Based on what I've seen online, I don't think that there is much (if any) variation in the boxes, which can be both good and bad. While Birchbox gives subscribers sample choice and has them fill out surveys so that the boxes can be tailored to preference and style, it seems like Sephora's boxes all contain the same products. Since I've had mixed experiences with Birchbox personalizing my products (I tend to get shampoo with sulfates, which I can't use because I glaze my hair, and foundations that are much, much too light), I'm actually happy to get the same products as everyone else since this helps mitigate the frustration that comes with getting products that don't work for you and seeing someone else get products that you could and would use.

 I received the notice that my box had shipped on the 18th and received my box today (the 22nd), which is a record for me and beauty boxes. It was packaged in a black and white Sephora shipping box. The inner packaging can be seen on the left. The size is somewhere between a Glossybox and a Birchbox, and it is very cute. One thing I'll be interested in seeing is whether Sephora changes the design on the inner box lids. While this is cute, I'd love to see some other colors and designs. The packaging inside the inner box was crinkled paper, which kept the products in place. If I have one complaint about Birchbox, it is that there isn't any cushioning, so I've gotten more than a few damaged products. I don't necessarily see that happening with the PLAY! box.

The products are snug in their bed

My samples were all deluxe-sized, and there was a nice variety to them. They included:

• The Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion lip tint/stain in Peony 
• A Marc Jacobs Highliner in Blacquer
• Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation face creme
• Bumble and bumble Haidresser's Invisible Oil
• Glamglow Supercleanse
• Elizabeth and James Nircana White perfume (this is a bonus product)

Overall, I really liked the products I received. When I first subscribed, I was a little nervous that the majority of items would be Sephora brand (rather than prestige brands), so I was pleasantly surprised that I received only one Sephora brand product, which I really liked. I particularly appreciate that these are all products I would like to try but aren't ones that I would necessarily purchase on my own. Since one of my hopes when subscribing to a beauty box is finding something new that I would like, I consider this a success.

Additionally, I found the PLAY! Book to be informative. I typically don't pay too much attention to the info sheets or booklets included with subscription boxes, but this one had some helpful information, such as how to use the products in unusual ways (for instance, you can use the Marc Jacobs Highliner to tint light-colored lashes and the Bumble and bumble oil primer to tame brows and moisturize nails). The book is also supposed to be scannable, meaning that you can scan the product pictures with the Sephora smartphone app to get additional information.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the box, and I'm looking forward to next month's. If you have any questions or thoughts regarding the box, please feel free to share in the comments section.

September 2014 Birchbox

While I've tried many subscription boxes, the only one I've consistently been subscribed to is Birchbox. It manages to hit the sweet spot when it comes to products (a nice mix of high-end and drugstore brands), product sizes (which often include deluxe-sized samples and sometimes even full-size products), and price ($10 a month). Better still, the company continues to refine its products, services, and subscriptions, and I've been loving the options that subscribers can choose to receive. This month, subscribers could either select the regular box or the guest editor box curated by the fashion site Fashionista. I opted for the Fashionista box, and this is what I received:

My box included (from left to right):

• A sample of Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Mascara (full-size $24.00)
• A deluxe sample of Naobay Body Radiance Lotion (full-size $24.00)
• A deluxe sample of dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner (full-size $45.00)
• A travel-size bottle of Macadamia Professional Flawless Cleansing Conditioner (travel size $15.00, full-size $33.00)
• A Cynthia Rowley Beauty Silver Eyeliner (full-size $16.00)

I'm very happy with the products included, and I LOVE the fact that there wasn't a foil packet or a perfume sample in the mix. I've tried the mascara, and it is fine. While I don't like it as much as some of the other mascaras I've tried, I appreciate having the chance to try it without having to buy the full size. I don't wear a lot of eyeliner, but the product will be perfect to put in my giveaway box. In terms of the products I haven't tried yet, I'm especially intrigued by the cleansing conditioner. I wash my hair everyday, and I'm hoping that the cleansing conditioner might be a viable every-other-day alternative to shampoo.
 
If you got a September Birchbox, I'd love to hear about which box you picked and what you thought of your products in the comments below.

Birchbox for CEW 2014 Prestige Headliners and Mass Appeal Boxes

While I try to keep my Birchbox purchases in check, I decided to take the plunge and buy the two limited edition Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Insider's Choice boxes.What drew me to the boxes is that each product was a finalist in the awards and that the products came from both drugstore and prestige lines. The price of the boxes are $18.00 for the Prestige box and $12.00 for the Mass Appeal one, but you can snag both for $28.00 total if you order them at the same time (no discount code needed - the money is taken off when you checkout). You can also use Birchbox points towards the boxes, and you can use other coupons for additional discounts!

The contents of the Prestige Headliners Box (l to r): Fekkai Glossing Creme, Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil, 100% Pure Nail Polish, Coola Environmental Repair Plus, Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight, and the toe separators

The Prestige Headliners Box, $18.00, contains brands and products you'd find at Sephora or department stores like Nordstrom or Dillards. These products include:

• 100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish in Jam (full size)
• Coola Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion (deluxe sample)
• Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme (a very generous deluxe sample)
• Josie Maran Cosmetics 100% Pure Argan Oil Light (deluxe sample)
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight (deluxe sample)

The Prestige box also had two lifestyle extras - a pocket mirror and toe separators. In truth, I could have done without these two freebies. That said, I'm so excited about trying out the products in this box since, besides the glossing creme, I haven't used them before.

The contents of the Mass Appeal Box (back row l to r): L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara, Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer, (in front, l to r): Vaseline Lip Therapy, Dove Body Wash, Burt's Bees Lip Gloss

 The Mass Appeal Box, which cost $15.00 on its own, includes brands that you'd find at the drugstore or at retailers like Target or Walmart, including:

• Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor (full size)
• Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash (deluxe sample size)
• L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (full size)
• Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 (full size)
• TRESemme Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Serum (full size)
• Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips (full size)

The products in the Mass Appeal box look great and seem very usable. I'm especially excited about the moisturizer and Vaseline lip product. As an added bonus, all but one of the products are full size!

August 2014 Birchbox

For August 2014, Birchbox did something a little different when it came to the subscription boxes. While the box was still $10.00 (including shipping), the company decided to expand on its idea from July's box, which allowed subscribers to choose a sample and the color of the sample. For August 2014, the company let subscribers decide decide if they wanted one of two box themes (one was a box with higher-end products, the other box was dubbed the "Everygirl" box and had more affordable samples). With the higher-end box, subscribers could also choose one of the products they wanted to receive.

I opted for the higher-end box, and this is what I got:

From left to right: Key West Aloe lotion, Laura Geller Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow, Nugg Beauty mask, Neil George Shampoo & Conditioner.

My box included:

• A deluxe sample of Key West Aloe Mango Moisturizing Lotion (full size is $12.00)
• A nice-sized sample of Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Silver Sands (full size is $19.00)
• Deluxe samples of Neil George Shampoo and Conditioner (full size is $9.00 each)
• A single-use sample of nugg Beauty Revitalizing Mask (full size pack of 5 is $14.99) - this was my beauty extra

I was very happy with my box choice, and I've been trying out my products ever since I receive the box last week. Right now, I'm most intrigued by the eyeshadow and mask, but I haven't had a chance to use the hair care products yet.

What did you receive in your Birchbox this month? What do you think of the idea of letting subscribers select the type of box they want? Please feel free to leave a comment below! Also, let me know if you want a review of the different products - I aim to please!

October 2012 Birchbox

One of my favorite things about the first part of the month is getting my Birchbox. While I've had varying degrees of luck with the products, I'm always excited to get my hot pink package in the mail. This month, some subscribers could opt into a box done in conjunction with goop.com, a lifestyle website by Gwyneth Paltrow. While I'm indifferent to Paltrow, I figured that opting into the goop box would at least get me some high-end products (seriously, there's nothing on that site that isn't ridiculously overpriced).

I received my box earlier this week, and (with one big exception) the products are okay but don't inspire great love or hatred in me. In fact, my reaction to the box is similar to the reaction I have to Gwyneth herself. They are okay, but they seem expensive and overrated.

The box contained four products and one lifestyle extra:

• A beautyblender, which is an egg-shaped, hot pink sponge that is supposed to apply foundation or tinted moisturizer in a way that mimics an airbrushed application. (a pack of two - $25.95)
• Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss is a pretty coral/peach color. (full size - $33.00)
• DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer, which is a serum that supposedly "fills in pores and wrinkles for instantly smoother skin. (full size - $85.00)
• Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil, which is supposed to fight wrinkles and improve skin tone. (full size - $80.00)
• Luna LemonZest bar (my lifestyle extra)

First off, I'm stoked about the beautyblender! Earlier this year, some Birchboxes had the beautyblender, and I was green with envy when I saw this (and I didn't receive one). This is by far the best product in this month's box, and I plan on using it quite a bit. The only concern I have is that, after one or two days of use, I'm starting to see some wear on the sponge. To use the beautyblender, I am supposed to soak it in water and squeeze out the excess so that the sponge is damp. I'm a little worried that all of this squeezing will result in the beautyblender getting worn out before its time.

I've also tried all of the other products, and I like the gloss well enough. However, as someone who would much rather receive makeup products than skincare, I'm disappointed that I received TWO skincare products (and anti-aging products at that!).

All that said, I'm still excited about the beautyblender, and the inclusion of that product makes me feel like the box was worth the $10 price.

October 2011 Birchbox

My October Birchbox was waiting for me when I got home this afternoon, and I must say that I'm pretty pleased with this month's haul. Not only did my box have a nice combination of skincare and makeup products, but all of the products are perfect for this transition from summer to fall.

This month's theme was "Prep & Finish," and according to the card that came with the box, the products inside are supposed "to help you prep and polish skin, body, and hair... [to] help you become your most gorgeous self from start to finish." In my box were samples for the following products:

First glimpse inside the box

• amika Obliphica Hair Treatment
• Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss in Bellini
• Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask
• Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze
• The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo (this was my extra this month)

Top products: Laura Geller primer, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
Bottom products: amika Hair Treatment, Clark's mask, Anastasia lip gloss

 I've tried the lip gloss, hair treatment, and mask, and so far I'm really liking all three of them.

September 2011 Birchbox

Unlike last month's Birchbox craziness, I received this month's box with no problems. Although it was slightly delayed, the Birchbox team sent me an email letting me know that it would be arriving a little late. However, given what I've seen from the box, it was definitely worth the wait.

Since this month marks the company's one-year anniversary, the theme for September is "Thanks to You!" According to the info card, the featured products are some of the Birchbox team's favorites that "represent every aspect of the Birchbox personality," ranging from girly to minimalist. This month I received:

• Colorscience pro sunforgettable mineral powder with SPF 30 (minimalist)
• Incoco Nail Polish Applique in a glittery gold color (adventurous)
• Jouer Lip Enhancer (practical)
• Truth Art Beauty Face Nourish - Birchbox Blend (crafty)
• Birchbox Friendship Bracelet (this was my extra)

I really like the diversity of products in the box. The nail polish strips were a breeze to put on; I'll be very curious to see how they last on my nails (they are supposed to last for two weeks). I'm also looking forward to trying the other items. Look for a review at the end of the month!

August 2011 Birchbox (Better Late Than Never!)

So, as you may have heard, my first August Birchbox for this month was stolen (I'm still seriously annoyed by that, and God help the person if I ever find her [him?]). Luckily, Birchbox customer service is fantastic, and just a week after contacting the company, I received a replacement box.

The question then becomes: Was it worth the wait and frustration? Well, just judging by the contents, the answer is yes and no. While I'm intrigued by most of the products (and I actually love the much-maligned hair tie), there are a few caveats.

This month's theme is "Beauty Innovations," and the products do seem to fill a need left unfulfilled by others that have come before. The contents of my box include:

• A large sample of Befine Night Cream & a single use sample of Befine Exfoliating Cleanser
• A large sample of Blinc mascara
• A sample of LIFTLAB Lift & Fix High Potency Serum
• A small vial of Kate Spade New York Twirl
• A Twistband hair tie (this was my extra)

I'm very excited about trying the Blinc mascara, since I love tubular mascara. I am also curious about the nigh cream, since I know that is an area lacking in my skincare regime.

However, I'm bummed about three things. The first is that this is the second time in three months that I've received the sample of Twirl. I have lots of allergies, so I don't use a lot of perfume. Also, getting it again doesn't make a ton of sense to me, since it seem that the aim of Birchbox is to introduce you to new products.

The second thing that annoys me is that the Befine Exfoliating Cleanser is a single use packet. I probably shouldn't complain since I received six things in my box (counting the cleanser and the hair tie), but I would have much rather received a larger sample of the cleanser instead of the Twirl sample (again).

Finally, and I know that this will be somewhat ironic given the complaint I just had about the cleanser, but I wish that there were more of a balance between the makeup samples and the skincare samples. A half-and-half split would be perfect, but I've noticed that my boxes tend to be primarily skincare. I've checked my beauty profile on the site, and it doesn't seem to be skewed towards skincare, but maybe I'm missing something.

Anyway, this complaints aren't enough to make me abandon Birchbox just yet. I'll definitely be giving it another month or two, and then I might reevaluate it (particularly if I get more repeat samples!).

ETA (August 22): I wanted to add that I sent Birchbox an email asking about the repeat item policy, and I received an incredibly nice reply back. I also was given some more points, which weren't necessary but are greatly appreciated. So, three cheers for Birchbox customer service! Those ladies know how to keep their customers happy.

Beauty Review: Birchbox Products from July 2011

Following the awesomeness of my May and June Birchboxes, I guess it was just a matter of time until I got a box that I wasn't crazy about. While I have decidedly mixed feelings about my July box, there were (as you'll see in this review) more hits than misses.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser (full size [8 oz] $20): As I mentioned when I got my box, I had tried and liked this cleanser before. However, I'm glad that I had the chance to try it again, since I had forgotten how great it is. It is very gentle and non-drying, and it does a nice job with regular cleaning on any skin type. It also has a nice, mild scent, making it a good workhorse product to have. Although I haven't used Purity Made Simple in a while, I might go back to it in the fall/winter months.

Nuxe Huille Prodigieuse Multi-usage Dry Oil (full size [50 ml] $29.50): According to the info card that came with my box, this oil is supposed to give you a pretty glow without any slickness or greasiness. It certainly did do that, but I found myself not needing it all that often. This is something that might make sense in cooler weather, but in the summer, the last thing I want to do is to add an additional layer of anything (particularly oil) to my skin. That said, the oil worked well conditioning my cuticles and taming flyaways (use it sparingly!).

Redken Shine Flash 02 (full size [4.4 oz] $17): This product's claim to fame is adding shine to hair. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell any difference in my hair when I used it. I don't know if my hair was just too dark or was shiny enough without it, but this product is not on my "to buy" list.

Zoya Touch Collection Nail Polish in Pandora (full size [.5 fl oz] $8): I really like Zoya polishes, and I had been wanting a sophisticated nude polish (because wearing sparkly purple or blue when teaching is probably not a great idea). This is the perfect summer nude color, and it had pretty decent coverage too (it only took two coats for it to be opaque).

Birchbox July 2011

I had a great teacher in high school who often said, "You get what you get when you need it." I've always taken this piece of wisdom to heart, and it always seems to be true. Today, after a long, hot, miserable commute home, I was excited to see the familiar pink box waiting for me by my mailbox. Although this isn't my favorite Birchbox ever (I really loved my May and June boxes), this one has some intriguing products.

This month's theme, if you can call it that, is that the products were selected by designer Cynthia Rowley, and I do like that most of the products are no-nonsense basics that are very usable for everyday.

From left to right: Redken Shine Flash,
Nuxe Dry Oil, Kind Bar

• A large sample of Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
• A large sample of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil
• A large sample of Redken Shine Flash 02
• A large sample of Zoya Nail Polish in Pandora (a creamy nude polish)
• An almond and apricot Kind Bar

I've tried Purity Made Simple and Kind Bars before, and I like both products. I'm also excited to try the nail polish, since I've been wanting to wear a more subdued color lately. My only real disappointment is that there isn't really any makeup (besides the nail polish), but as I mentioned earlier, I do think that everything in this box is very practical and easy to incorporate into my regular routine.

From left to right: Redken Shine Flash, Zoya polish, Purity Made Simple, and Nuxe Dry Oil

I haven't quite decided if I'm going to do a full review of these products, but if you would like one, please feel free to leave a comment below. I'm easy to persuade!

Beauty Review: Birchbox Products from June 2011

As I mentioned in my Birchbox post earlier this month, I was stoked about the products in this month's box. Now, several weeks later, that feeling is pretty much the same. I have to admit that there were far more winners than losers in the box, and I am willing to give the product that didn't completely "Wow" me the benefit of the doubt (more on this later). With no further ado, here is a quick rundown of my thoughts on the products.

Laura Gellar Baked Blush N' Brighten in Apricot Berry (Full size [.32 oz] $29.50): This is by far my favorite product in this month's box. Besides being full-size (and thus totally mitigating my guilt over paying a measly $10 for each month's box), this is the perfect summer blush. It packs quite a punch, so only a little is needed. However, despite being very potent, it also looks natural and lovely when applied. The mix of peach/apricot and deeper berry tones works well with my coloring, but I can definitely see this being a universally flattering to all skin tones. I've never tried Laura Gellar before this box, but I'm definitely excited about trying more products from this company.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion (Full size [125 ml] $24.50): It has been a long time since I've used any Kiehl's products, but this moisturizer reminded me why I like their skin care so much. This lightweight, unscented lotion is great for summer and manages to moisturize without being too heavy (or contributing to my skin's oiliness). If you have oily skin, you might want to stick to using this in the evening during the summer months. However, for dry or combination skin, this could be the perfect go-to summer product.

Kate Spade Twirl (Full size [1.7 fl oz] $65): Although I love makeup, I am a bit of a skinflint when it comes to fragrance since I don't use it that often. While I can't see myself buying the full-sized version of Twirl, I really liked the fragrance. It is light, summery, and feminine without being too cloying. If fragrance is your thing, you might really like it.

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe (Full size [8 fl oz] $39): First, I will say that, if I had to use a self tanner, this is the one that I would use. It was pretty simple to apply, the smell was nice (it had a definite chocolate scent to it), and the tan was natural looking. For someone who usually turns orange when using self-tanner, this is a revelation in itself.

Unfortunately, I had a mini-crisis with this product. However, I can't bring myself to fault it since it was more than likely my ineptitude that led to this issue. After having a pretty good experience ridding myself of the farmer's tan on my arms, I decided to apply the product to my legs to help chase away their paleness. I gave my legs what I thought was an even coating and spent the rest of the evening working. When I woke up the next morning and got in the shower, I noticed that one of my legs was considerably darker than the other one and that the darker leg had noticeable pale patches. A few days of jeans and exfoliating solved this issue, and I'm pretty certain that the problem was me rather than the product.

Herban Essentials Orange Towelettes (Full size [20 towelettes] $15): These towelettes were a nice balance of functional (they helped me get rid of makeup and excess self-tanner) and luxurious (their orange scent seemed very natural and avoided the fake cleaning products smell I was expecting). Although I don't see myself buying the full-sized product since I don't have much of a need for towelettes, I would definitely consider buying them if I traveled more or if I needed individual towelettes to carry around with me for whatever reason.

Beauty Review: Sprout Wellness Skin Care

Have you ever looked at what's in your face wash or moisturizer and freaked out because of the long list of unpronounceable ingredients? If so, then the Sprout Wellness skin care line is for you. This company, based out of New York City, is dedicated to using organic, fair trade, and local ingredients whenever possible. It also tends to use a "keep it simple" philosophy, so the ingredient lists are very short and lack polysyllabic ingredients. As an added bonus, most products do not contain animal products, so vegans can use the line without any qualms.

Although I am not a vegan or anyone who is particularly worried about most long ingredients list, I was very intrigued when I saw this feature on Jasmere, so I bought a couple of vouchers and decided to try out several products. I'm including pictures, but please note that the company recently changed their packaging, so these pictures are not representative of the packaging now. Also, I'm listing the current prices, which are more than I paid because the sizes were smaller. The products themselves are the same.

From left to right: Makeup Remover, Sugar Body Scrub, and All-Over Cream

Makeup Remover ($10 for 30 ml): The ingredients for this super-simple makeup remover are sweet almond oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and distilled aloe vera. It is simple to use and pretty effective. I've tried it against my current go-to makeup remover (Lush's 9 to 5), and the results are comparable. It is very gentle and moisturizing, and it manages to get off even the most stubborn eye makeup without scrubbing.

Sugar Body Scrub

Sugar Body Scrub ($22 for 170 ml): I am a sucker for body scrubs, and I really wanted to like this product. Although one of the ingredients listed is coconut oil, the scrub is actually quite dry. You are supposed to mix it with water and then scrub yourself with it. While this sounds good in theory, I didn't find it as effective or as easy to use as scrubs that had a creamier consistency. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't replace my current body scrub (from The Body Shop) with it. However, it does make a nice (if unexpected) sweet treat if you decide to taste it (it was for research purposes, I promise!).

All-Over Cream

All-Over Cream ($32 for 100 ml): I was skeptical about this product, since commercials and the beauty industry have convinced me that it is unthinkable to use the same lotion on my body and my face. Despite my skepticism, I wanted to try this cream because so many people have raved about it. Luckily, those raves are much deserved, as this thick, rich cream does a lot of things well. Since it was a little heavy to use as a facial moisturizer during the warmer months, I've been using it on my elbows and heels, and they have my skin ready for summer. I'm looking forward to trying this out in the winter to see how it does with the cold, windy weather in the Northeast. Given that a little bit of this cream goes a long, long way, I'm sure I will have my small 2 oz. container for quite a while.

Face Toner & Face Cleanser

Face Cleanser ($24 for 100 ml): If you are used to foaming cleansers, this one is very different. Instead of mixing it with water, you put it on a cotton ball and apply it to your face and neck. Then you rinse it. I admit, I had a difficult time getting used to this type of cleanser, and I never felt like my face was totally clean after using it (this is perhaps just in my mind). That said, my skin felt very soft and fresh. While I don't know if I would use it all the time, it does make a nice, no-fuss way to wash my face, particularly in the morning or on days when I haven't used a lot of makeup.

Face Toner ($24 for 100 ml): This toner is very straightforward. You apply it to a cotton ball and then put it on your face. As someone whose skin manages to be both oily and sensitive, I was very interested in this product. Unfortunately, I found that it was a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it did get any makeup that I missed with the makeup remover and cleanser and it got rid of any excess oil without being too drying. However, the problem was the toner's scent. Since one of the ingredients is apple cider vinegar, a vinegary smell isn't surprising, but the issue I had was the fact that the scent lingered for quite a while. Even after I rinsed my face with cool water, I still thought I smelled a bit like a pickle. If the spicy odor doesn't bother you, then this is a great toner. If you are like me and are sensitive to scent, then you might want to pass this product.

All in all, I was happy with these products and with the company. I highly recommend the Makeup Remover and All-Over Cream, and the other products are good (even if they aren't my cup of tea). The philosophy and business practices of this company are excellent, as is the customer service. Consequently, if you are looking for a gentle, simple, natural skin care line, Sprout Wellness might be right for you.

Birchbox June 2011

It's a mystery....

Hello! I hope all of you have had a good day! Mine has been surprisingly good. I got to catch up with a good friend of mine, work was busy but productive, and my June Birchbox was waiting for me when I arrived home. Since my past two Birchboxes have arrived in the middle of the month, it was a very pleasant way to end the day. What's particularly exciting is that, since I got my box earlier than usual, I didn't get a chance to find out what other people have received, so the contents were a surprise as well.

This month's theme is "vacation-ready products," and I'm loving what I got in my box. This month, I received:

My first look

• A sample of the Kate Spade perfume Twirl
• A large sample of Kiehl's new Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion
• A full-size Laura Geller Baked Blush N' Brighten Blush in Apricot Berry
• A large sample of Xen-Tan's Deep Bronze Luxe
• Two Herban Essentials Orange Towelettes (this was my extra for the month)

These products look amazing, and the people at Birchbox really outdid themselves with this month's box. Besides getting a full-size blush from Laura Geller (priced at $29.50), the Kiehl's product isn't even available in stores yet, which gives me a sneak peek at this moisturizer. I also love that I got a mix of makeup and skin care. While some reviewers have either had much worse luck than I have or are much more discerning, I find that I am pretty easy to please when it comes to Birchbox. The only thing that I'm a little iffy about is the self-tanner. Since I'm Asian, I've found that some self-tanners turn me orange. However, I will definitely give it a whirl and hope that I don't turn into an Oompa Loompa.

From left to right: Kiehl's  Lotion, Laura Geller Baked Blush N' Brighten (top),  Kate Spade perfume,  Xen-Tan self tanner, Herban Essentials Towelettes

So far, I've tried Twirl and the Laura Geller blush. Although I am a cheapskate when it comes to fragrance (1.7 oz of Twirl is $65, much more than I would pay for perfume), the scent is very pretty. The blush, which can also be used as a highlighter, is pretty but very potent. I'm going to have to use a lighter hand when I apply it next time.

I'll post a more complete review on the products in several weeks (after I've had a chance to spend more time testing them). If you have questions about Birchbox or about the products (from this month's box or from previous months), please feel free to leave a comment below!

Beauty Review: Birchbox Products from May 2011 Box

Reading the Birchbox Facebook page and watching the YouTube videos where the creators show their hauls, I've been rather surprised at how many people seemed unhappy with their May 2011 box. For the most part, I was very pleased with the products. Here are my thoughts on the products (in no particular order):

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream (full size [3.4 oz] $20): Although I have many, many bottles of lotion, I am not a lotion fanatic. Consequently, while I liked the lotion (it was moisturizing and not too heavy, which makes it perfect for spring/summer), I don't know if I will be buying this product. However, if I ever run out of lotion (unlikely, since my mom  gave me two huge bottles of Crabtree & Evelyn lotion that I still haven't made a dent in), I would consider Ahava.

Archipelgo Pomegranate Soap (full size [6.8 oz] $12.50): Even though I am indifferent towards lotion except during the cold, dry winter months, I love bath products. This soap is addition to my shower. Besides being moisturizing, the subtle scent and soft lather makes it seem like a luxurious way to start the day. While I have lots of soap (due to my addiction to Lush products), I am planning on picking up some Archipelgo soap from the Birchbox shop.

Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir (full size [50 ml] $80): Perfume is a very personal thing. While the scent of this wasn't bad, it really wasn't me. I think one person (responding to her Birchbox haul for this month) noted that it seemed much more geared toward a more mature person, and I completely agree.

Stila Eyeshadow in Barefoot Contessa (full size [.09 oz] $18): Eyeshadow is one of my favorite products, and I was very pleased with this Stila shadow. It is smooth and easy to apply and blend, and the texture seems very refined. The color is also gorgeous. Although it looks like a rather plain brown color in the pan, it is more of a plum when applied, and I can definitely see it as a universally flattering and versatile color. Whether you want a light application for work or a heavier application for evening, this Stila shadow delivers. My only (very minor) nitpick with this product is that it came without a real compact. However, since this was a full size, I shouldn't complain too much (or at all).

Beauty Review: Birchbox May 2011

I seem to get my Birchbox a little later than most people, and this is certainly a mixed blessing. On one hand, I usually spoil my surprise since I can find out (through YouTube videos and my Birchbox account) what is probably in my Birchbox before it arrives. While this can lead to some disappointment, it is also great when I actually receive my box and I discover that some of the products I'm not that excited about are much better than I expected.

For the most part, I'm pretty happy with this month's Birchbox selection.

First glimpse of this month's products

This month's theme is "elegant products that will always be in style, just like Mom." To that end, I received:

• Stila eyeshadow in Barefoot Contessa
• Bulgari perfume in Mon Jasmin Noir
• Archipelgo Pomegranate Soap
• Ahava Mineral Hand Cream
• Tiny Prints greeting card (this was my extra)

So far, I've tried the Bulgari perfume and the Stila eyeshadow, and I'm looking forward to trying the soap (I love bath products) and the Ahava lotion. The Stila shadow seemed a little boring in the package, but it is gorgeous when applied (according to the Sephora site, the color is a shimmering metallic plum).

From left to right: Archipelago soap, Bulgari perfume, Stila shadow, Ahava cream, and Tiny Prints card

After I've spent more time testing the products, I'll put up a full review. If you have questions about Birchbox or about the products (from this month's box or from last month's), please feel free to leave a comment below!

Beauty Review: Birchbox Products from April's Box

When I received my first Birchbox earlier this month, I wasn't 100% thrilled with its contents. Although there were certainly some intriguing items, I had a hard time getting excited over everything. Luckily, I can say that, for the most part, the box had far more hits than misses. Here's a quick roundup and review of the products (in no particular order):

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion (full size [1 oz] is $28) : This lightweight and lightly scented moisturizer was surprisingly good. At first, I was a little disconcerted by the packaging (the tiny tube reminded me of the topical medicine samples my mom would get from pharmaceutical reps). Once I got over the packaging, I found that I really liked the product. It absorbed into my skin with very little effort and had the perfect weight and moisturizing power for the warm weather. I've been using this lotion on my face for the past two weeks and my skin has felt soft and smooth. It might be a bit too light for people with drier skin (I have combination/oily), and I suspect it wouldn't be moisturizing enough for drier, cooler seasons or climates. However, I am definitely planning on purchasing this for spring and summer use.

Zoya Intimate Spring 2011 Nail Polish in Dove (full size [.5 fl oz] is $8): I have mixed feelings over this nail polish. It wasn't love at first sight with the color, since I tend towards more traditional nail polish colors (think pinks, reds, and corals), and gray seemed like an odd color for spring. I also found that the polish was very hard to apply; it was very thick and tended to be streaky unless I applied a heavy coat. That said, it had good lasting power; two coats, with a good top coat, lasted me almost a week. I also received some compliments on the colors, which is subdued but noticeable.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (full size [4 oz] is $29.95): This is easily my favorite product from April's Birchbox. The texture of the product looks very thick and rough in the jar, which made me reluctant to put it on my face. However, mixing a small amount with water produced a lightweight, creamy foam that seemed to melt into my skin. It wasn't too abrasive and didn't feel harsh at all, and it left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. I've used this once a day for the past two weeks, and it hasn't caused any problems for my skin, which can definitely be sensitive (the directions note that the scrub can be used once a day or two to three times a week for those with more sensitive skin). The best part is that a little goes a long way; despite my regular usage, I'm only halfway through the sample jar. Consequently, the full size will probably last a long time.

LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection Natural Eau De Perfum (full size [3.4 oz] is $60): Because of allergies and a sensitive nose (and laziness), I don't use a ton of perfumes. However, this scent wasn't too heavy or cloying. If it weren't for the rather hefty price tag, I could see myself purchasing it (I would rather spend $60 on skincare and makeup than perfume).

Zhena's Gypsy Tea Italian Chamomile (full size [2 tins with 22 sachets each] $15.95): This was another product I wasn't too excited about when I first opened my Birchbox, and I must say that I'm not planning on purchasing it. The tea was good (and came in very handy when I was fighting a sore throat), but I guess my palate isn't developed enough to taste its nuances, since I couldn't tell any difference between it and the Celestial Seasonings tea I pick up for under $5.00 at the grocery store.

All in all, I was very pleased with my first Birchbox experience, and I'm looking forward to next month's box. I will definitely blog about it when it arrives, so check back around May 10!

Beauty Review: Birchbox April 2011

After reading some blogs and seeing some YouTube videos on Birchbox, I finally decided to subscribe to it last month. The premise of Birchbox is similar to a magazine subscription: for $10 each month, you receive a box of around 4 deluxe-size samples of beauty products. This sounded like a promising service for me. I love beauty products and trying out new things, but I'm often hesitant to sample the unknown since I don't want to risk dealing with the insanity of Sephora or the department store makeup counter only to purchase something I won't like. Also, since these samples are larger than average (they are around the size of a 100-point gift from the Sephora Beauty Insiders program), they allow you to get a much better sense of what a product is like over the course of time versus regular samples, which are good for one or two uses at most.

From left to right: Zhena's Gypsy Tea, Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, Zoya nail polish in Dove

I finally received my first box today, and while I am intrigued by what I received, I must say that I'm whelmed. Maybe this is because I had hyped up the service in my mind or perhaps it's because I previewed some other people's Birchboxes online (I never claimed that patience was my strong suit). Or perhaps it's because I received a rather large tin of tea, which is nice but not quite what I was expecting. However, I think I can safely say that I did get my money's worth with this box...

This month's box had an eco-friendly theme in honor of Earth Day. These earth-friendly products include:

• LIV GRN eau de parfum
• Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (no microbeads - yay!)
• Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion
• Zoya nail polish in Dove (a soft gray)
• A Bllomin wildflower seed card (this was an extra)
• Zhena's Gypsy Tea in Italian Chamomile (this was also an extra for the box)

In the cute pink packet: LIV GRN parfum, Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion (wildflower card is under the perfume)

As I said, I did check out other people's Birchbox hauls (there is often some variation in the boxes), so I was a little bummed by some of the products (gray nail polish? for spring? really?). However, I am definitely looking forward to the Suki cleanser, and I will even give the gray polish a try.

Please let me know if you have questions about Birchbox or if you'd like to see more Birchbox hauls (or reviews from my Birchbox hauls). As I said earlier, I'm playing with this blog's content, so constructive feedback is welcome.

Makeup Review: Benefit's Stay Put Set

Before we get to the review, a quick disclaimer/explanation: I've been playing with the idea of adding some makeup and beauty product reviews to this site just to keep things lively. However, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Please let me know what you think in the comments!

Today's been surprisingly busy yet incredibly unproductive. Besides critiquing student work and setting appointments that will (with any luck) help me get some participants, I have also managed to bake some homemade bread, do some laundry, and listen to "Loser Like Me" from last night's Glee episode approximately 30 times.

Luckily, this craziness and the rainy, damp weather gave me the perfect chance to try out some products in Benefit's Stay Put Set. Available only at Sephora, this set is like a tasting menu of some of Benefit's eye products. It includes diminutive versions of Stay Don't Stray (an eye makeup primer), Erase Paste (a brightening concealer), and Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP.

As someone who has problems with eye makeup staying put, I was very excited to get this set. Since it only cost $10, it seemed like the perfect chance to try some new products and to add to my Creaseless Cream Shadow collection. For those of you not familiar with Benefit's Creaseless Cream line, these cream shadows/eyeliners have very good staying power (even on my oily lids) and come in a range of colors. For an excellent overview as well as some beautiful swatches, check out one of Karen's recent posts on the Makeup and Beauty Blog.

RSVP is a light pink with some definite sparkle. Like the other Creaseless Cream Shadows, it blends beautifully and easily, and alone, it makes a pretty and understated look for daytime. At night, I might try it as a base/highlighter color for a darker shadow.

As luck would have it, I was suffering from some unfortunate dark circles today, so it was an ideal chance to try out the Erase Paste. The kit comes with the medium shade, which is almost a tad too light for me, particularly during the summer. For now, it makes a good undereye concealer as long as I blend. The texture is definitely on the sticky side, and it requires some major blending in order to get it smooth and natural looking on my skin. That said, it stayed in place and did a nice job masking my dark circles. I've heard that some people have problems with this product caking, but I didn't have this issue (perhaps the layer of eye cream I put on helped guard against this).

Given that the Creaseless Cream Shadows stay without any problem for me on their own, I didn't use Stay Don't Stray today. However, based on my prior experience with the product, I can say that it is a basic eye makeup primer. It helped my powder shadow stay in place without any problems, but I don't know if I would buy the full-size product ($24) over another eye primer.

The one issue I had with this set of products is the size. The amount of product you actually get is pretty generous. For instance, the sample size of the shadow is .11 oz, which is only a tiny bit smaller than the regular size (.16 oz). Accordingly, they have downsized the packaging, which can lead to some problems. As you can see in the picture, the packaging is around 30% smaller than the full-size jar. This can make getting the product out of the jar a little challenging if you are using your fingers.

In terms of value, this is actually a pretty good kit. While the products seem so tiny I feel like a giant when applying them, this is to be expected given the low price. Furthermore, I can definitely see the Erase Paste and Creaseless Cream Shadow lasting quite a while. If you aren't familiar with Benefit but you want to give the brand a whirl, this might be the perfect kit for you.