Birch Box!

I finally decided to jump on board with the BirchBox trend. I had heard about the boxes here and there but I hadn't ever really looked into them. How BirchBox works is you sign up (and can cancel at anytime) for $10 a month. They send you out a box of mostly sample size products (occasionally a full size product so that you can try new things that are available. The products come in a pink shipping box with another reusable box inside. Everything is wrapped so cute with pink tissue and black ribbon. You complete reviews (if you wish) on their site to earn points that go towards future purchases. It is hard to keep up with all the new products that come out all the time so this is an easy way to try things out and know what products are available. Vee (glamourdolleyes) told me about a $36 dollar perfume for $11 she purchased from the site using points so it sparked my interest once again. I signed up in mid May so I missed that box and had to wait for June which of course sucked since I hate waiting for ANYTHING. Along with waiting I hate surprises so before I got my box on Saturday I logged onto my account and checked what I would be getting (I told you I am inpatient). I haven't had a chance to use everything but here is a list of what I got (using the description directly from the BirchBox info card) and what I've used along with my initial thoughts. Here is the website if you are interested and to see some of the past BirchBox goodies do a www.youtube.com search and you will find plenty. www.birchbox.com

ARCHIPELAGO| POMEGRANATE SOAP - "Unlike body wash, this triple-milled soap won't spill in your toiletry kit, plus it has antioxidants to keep skin smooth and soft". (Part of a gift set $35)
I haven't used this yet since imats is so close I figured it will just save room in my suit case rather than bringing a large bar or body wash. It smells a little earthy to me but I think it will be fine.

KATE SPADE| TWIRL -"This flirty scent feels carefree and joyful-just the thing to wear on your adventures at home and abroad". 1.7 FL OZ Retail $65 & 3.4 FL OZ $80
I did spray this shortly after I opened the box and really like the way it smells. It doesn't smell to me like anything I have or have had. I wore it while I ran errands and didn't notice the smell for to long which is unusual since the smell is new to me so it wasn't like I was used to it. I will give this another go round soon.

LAURA GELLER| BAKED BLUSH N' BRIGHTEN -"Made in Italy, this swirl of warm and cool tones is infinitely versatile-dust your cheeks for a flattering flush or use the lighter shades as a highlighter." Full size retail $29.50
This was one of the easiest things to use right away and I was so excited that it was a full size product. Retail on this blush is $29.50 so this alone made this month's box really worth it. Even though I got this package mid day I used it to touch up my makeup for a dinner run later that evening. The color doesn't show up very easily on my fair/light skin tone without building BUT it is so pretty. I also used this for church and found that it gave a natural face look. The shimmer in the color is not over the top. I didn't use the colors separate instead swirled my brush over the whole blush and mixed it together.

SIRCUIT COSMECEUTICALS| MOLECULAR MIST- "This high-tech spray uses heavy water to keep your skin hydrated all day. Use it pre-moisturizer, as an in-flight refresh, or to set makeup." $36 Full size retail
I used this the first day also. By the description it seems similar to fix+ but I feel like when I used it (after being out in the TX heat all day) my skin looked less gross and less dull. I don't feel like fix+ has ever done that for me. I'm not knocking my fix+ cause I love it and use it daily (especially cold) but like I said I've never noticed my skin looking really refreshed. The only downfall I noticed right away was the taste on my lips. I have to remember to hide them before using it. It smells really strong of baby powder (which is fine by me) and I smelled like I had perfume on for at least 2 hours.

DEBORAH LIPPMANN| STRIPPER TO GO NAIL LACQUER REMOVERS- "Fix your mani on the fly! Each handy packet contains a remover-soaked "mitt" that erases polish without drying out nails". 10 Mitts $12
I am really excited to try these since I've fallen in love all over again with doing my own nails but since I got the box I haven't needed a polish change. If these work out like I think they will (based on description) I will definitely be buying these. Removing polish is one of my least favorite parts of doing my nails. The only potential down fall I can think of is the cost of these. If I can use them for more than just 10 say both fingers and toes and they work really well then they would definitely be worth it. I'm not sure how I would feel about using 2 for each polish change.

*** Updated review on these****
Today was polish change day so I could not wait to use these to remove my polish (Got A Date To Knight with Silver Shatter on top) The cotton pad fits on your finger tip which is super cool and much easier than holding a cotton pad. I was literally singing it's praises on the first few fingers and had I not been in a bubble bath I would have immediately started raving on line about it BUT (dun dun dun.....) by the time I got half through with the first hand I noticed I was scrubbing to get the polish off. I don't think it had anything to do with the polish being stubborn since one of the main reasons I was so happy is because the polish was just wiping off in almost one swoop. Needless to say by the time I got to the thumb on my second hand there was no getting the polish off and I still had residue on about 2-3 other fingers. The package says you can do 10 nails with it. I wish I could find cotton pads with the finger design because that part is amazing but for someone who changes polish (fingers and toes) every 2-4 days using 2 of these each at around $1.20 each would not be very cost efficient for me. I will end this by saying that I will more than likely order some just to have on hand because they are convenient just not practical for me to use all the time. Hope this review helps anyone thinking about trying these out -Mel