#1...The first item in my box of goodies was Beauty Protector Protect and Oil- which is a Birchbox exclusive!!! Not only is this good for all hair types, but it protects against UV rays, heat styling and breakage with a personal favorite ingredient.... argon oil! Who doesn't need this product in their lives? Did I mention that this stuff smells AH_MAZ_ING!? Kind of like vanilla and sweet? The sample size is generous and since you only need 1-3 drops it should last me a while! The full size comes in a plastic spray bottle, but this sample is in a nice glass vial. I only wish I had an extra dropper to control the amount I am using. I'm not sure the value of the sample because there are no markings on it, but the full size is $21.95
***I've used this a couple times and what I liked best was how it made my hair smell. I don't have hair issues like split ends, frizz, etc. and I only occasionally heat style it so I can't say anything about that yet. It did seem to help with frizzie little fly aways, and I liked that it was protecting me from UV rays.
#2......The next item I received was a fantastic new Liquid Liner in Black Ink by Cynthia Rowley. I believe this is full sized and is valued at $18.00! (the monthly service is only $10 ;) ) This is a newly launched line so it is pretty cool to get to sample it and see what I think of it! This product is supposed to be smudge proof which I love the idea of because so many eyeliners end up 'falling' and looking terrible on me! Do you have that problem? Interesting little tidbits....the site says that Cynthia created this after she was tired of not having a black enough liner and was resorting to using a sharpie! LOL She added the gold dots to make it easier to find in your cosmetic bag (black hole!) Now that is smart!!
***I tried this out when we went out to dinner, and it wore well for the 7 hours we were gone. There was no smudging as it claimed and it came off easily at the end of the night! yay! Since it has the felt tip marker styled tip, I can add that it is capable for a super thin and accurate line (perfect for a winged eye!) but can easily be made thicker as well.
#3......Next I have Rescue Omerga 3 Serum by Eleven Skin in the most darling little pump container I have ever had! :) This is a luxury face oil that says it will bring damaged skin back to life! Also it "nourishes, improves moisture retention, and promotes elasticity. Skin appears brighter, energized, and more youthful looking." The full size is a whopping $75 which is a little rich for my blood BUT I think that is one of the best parts of Birchbox! First I got to sample a product that there is no way I would have otherwise, AND if I like it, I can save up my points and "buy" the full size from the Birchbox shop! (I couldn't calculate how much the sample was valued at because there was no marking to indicate the size.)
*** I am really loving trying all things 'oil, butter, and natural' right now, so this is no exception. As far as the oil goes it did make my face feel really good and it 'soaked in' fast. I'm not sure how I felt about the smell initially though. It is not bad but like no other products I've used before. It is like you took fresh herbs and rubbed them between your fingers to release their oils.....if that makes sense. Maybe that is what "nutrient-rich sea botanicals" are supposed to smell like? lol The smell went away after a few moments and I was left with really soft, and moisturized skin!
#4.....I really enjoy getting perfume samples in my Birchboxes!! and this month I got a purple one! squeal!!! It is a Joan Vass L'eau de Cristal. I am terrible at describing notes in perfume so let me use the Birchbox description. "Top notes of star ruby grapefruit and Italian bergamot meet middle notes of red currant, ylang ylang, and rose oil. Rounding out the scent are slightly sweet, earthy bottom notes like patchouli, vanilla tincture, and vetiver." This sample lacked size markings so I could calculate the value but the full size is $75
*** I am actually surprised that I like this perfume as much as I do because I can not stand anything patchouli! It really is not the heavy musky smell I was expecting and the fresh citrusy smell of the grapefruit is just wonderful. This is definitely one that I would consider more sophisticated and I will save it for a special occasion. Once again...another new fragrance that I am thrilled to get the opportunity to try!
#5.......Finally my lifestyle extra was from 32 Oral Care. They are Effervescent Breath Crystals! I mean seriously...has there ever been a more FUN trial product in a Birchbox!???? I think not! :) They offer 4 flavors, but my two samples were spearmint and lemon mint. I tried this first with my boyfriend and we both thought they were innovative and effective! Yes they actually freshen your breath! Later I just had to share them with my sister, so via skype I hooked up and "showed" her my grown up pop rocks! lol
Full size is $9.99 for 32 packets so this sample had a value of $0.63
So unlike other months I can't give you the OVERALL value of my samples because 3/5 did not have size markings on them. That is okay though because I know I certainly got my money's worth, as usual, and with the $10 I paid, and then the reviews I will do online at Birchbox.com, I will be given credit for the equivalent of $5.00 towards other full sized items that I can purchase in their shop!!!
If you would like to join me at Birchbox, and what I feel is hands down the best service out there please use my referral link to sign up https://www.birchbox.com/invite/7l3h7 (I will get a bonus for having referred you- thank you!) or go to their website at Birchbox.com
Thank you for reading and until the March box...stay beautiful!
If you would like to contact me to review your products please message me at Tanya@mail4me.com
