Belated November 2011 Birchbox

 

 Here is my very belated post on my November 2011 Birchbox.  I'm not even sure why I took so long to write this up since I was pretty darn impressed with this box!

Here is what I got:

• Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover:  While not very exciting, this is a nice eye makeup remover and not terribly expensive for the full-size bottle.  I liked this product, and the travel-size bottle will come in handy next time I take a trip.
• LaROCCA Skincare Champagne & Shimmer Body Polish:  I liked this sample, as well. Though the size of the jar is too small to even attempt to use all over your body.  It smells nice and is a good hand scrub.
• Oscar Blandi Jasmine Protein Mist:  This is a leave-in hair protection and fortifying spray.  I just loved the scent of this hair mist, it made me want to keep smelling my hair all day long.
• Zoya Nail Polish in Noel:  I was excited to see yet another Zoya polish in this month's box.  I just love getting a new nail polish.  While I haven't tried out this teal-blue shade just yet, I know it will be just as good as the rest of the Zoya polishes I have.
• Chuao Chocolatier Firecracker Chocopod:  Now this really was a nice treat.  Every girl loves chocolate, and I am no exception!  The Chocopod is dark chocolate with chipotle and popping candies in it.  I actually ordered another bar from Birchbox because I liked this interesting treat so much!

And, I also got this cute bracelet from Bauble Bar in my box!  Nail polish, chocolate and jewelry...this month's Birchbox was the best yet!

The Must Have Uber-Awesome Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette!

 

Lucky girl that I am, I managed to grab the coveted Urban Decay Naked 2 palette the first day it was released for sale!  I knew that this had potential to be just as good if not better than the first one, and so far, it has not disappointed.  These eyeshadows are so buttery smooth they blend beautifully.  I find the shades to be even more wearable for everyday looks than those in the first Naked palette.  The palette comes with a really nice double-ended brush that is actually usable and a cute mini Lip Junkie lip gloss in Naked.  Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase!  You simply must get this now!!!

Foxy (bisque with matte finish), Half Baked (bronze with shimmery finish), Booty Call (creamy shimmer), Chopper (copper with micro glitter)

Tease (taupey brown with matte finish), Snake Bite (dark bronze metallic), Suspect (rose gold beige with shimmery finish), Pistol (light grey with shimmery finish)

Verve (oyster with shimmery finish), YDK (bronze metallic), Busted (dark brown with shimmery finish), Blackout (black with matte finish)

October Birchbox

 

Well, October is nearly over and I am just now getting to this month's Birchbox review.  I think that is a pretty good indicator of how excited I was by this box...*sigh*.  I am calling this month's box the "Stinky Birchbox" because of the foul smelling products I received!

Here is what I got:

• Ahava Mineral Foot Cream:  As I have said before, I love the feel of Ahava mineral creams, but they smell just awful!
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel:  This is a good brow gel if you are a person who likes to use brow gel; it is just something that I rarely use.
• Number 4 Hair Lumiere D'hiver Reconstructing Masque: This product is meant to hydrate and add shine to hair.  Not much to say about this one.  I don't have a problem with dry hair or breakage, but my hair did feel nice and conditioned after using it.  The scent was okay--herbal/floral.
• Sunday Riley Modern Skincare Juno Transformative Lipid Serum:  This is a mix of 13 essential oils which are meant to replenish, firm and protect skin.  That's all well and good if you can get past the fact that is smells like garlic and olive oil!  Eeew!  This never had a chance to do anything for me, as I washed it off immediately due to the terrible smell!
• Tea Forte Minteas: These were a nice treat, though nothing I would actually purchase.

So, final verdict on this box is two thumbs down.  I was really bored with this box, and I am tired of bad smelling creams and serums.  Here's hoping next month brings some more exciting cosmetic items my way!

Estee Lauder Dupe

L: Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Pink; R: NYC lipstick in Violet Shine

I stumbled upon a really good dupe for Estee Lauder lipstick the other day.  I happened to grab an NYC lipstick on sale for a whopping $.24 in the shade Violet Shine.  When I applied the lipstick the light raspberry scent and creamy texture reminded me of the one and only Estee Lauder lipstick I own which happens to be the Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in the shade Crystal Pink.  As you can see below, these two lipsticks are nearly identical in color, and I can say that they smell exactly the same.  The only difference I noticed was that the Estee Lauder lipstick was a little more moisturizing.  The price difference is a completely different story...the Estee Lauder lipstick costs $24 while the NYC lipstick costs $1.

L: Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Pink; R: NYC lipstick in Violet Shine

Allure Freebies!

Whoo hoo!  I actually won a couple of the Allure Magazine summer giveaways!  Lucky girl that I am, I won a bottle of Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! perfume.  This fragrance retails for $88!  It is a lovely floral/fruity scent; I don't think it is a particularly unique scent.  However, the bottle is simply gorgeous and looks fab sitting on my dresser.

And, I won a Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in the shade Pink Freeze.  I hadn't tried this line of lipstick before and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this lipstick.  Pink Freeze is a bright but wearable pink shade.  So, thanks Allure!!!  I am loving my free products!

September Birchbox

September 2011 Birchbox

Another month...another Birchbox!  This month's box celebrates Birchbox's 1-year anniversary.  My celebratory box was filled with a couple hits and misses.

Here is what I got in my box:

Incoco Nail Polish Applique: Although the pattern I got is a little tacky, these nail polish strips were so fun and easy to use.  The staying power wasn't great, but for a special occasion, these would be worth purchasing to create a high-end manicure look.  I will definitely be trying out some more of these! 

Jouer Lip Enhancer: This product is supposed to hydrate, plump, and condition lips.  Well, I just loved it!  My lips felt great, and the product seemed to be long-lasting on my lips.  I found the balm to be similar in texture to the Mary Kay Satin Lips balm.

Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer: As far as hand sanitizers go, this is a pretty darn good one.  It has an herbal scent and does seem to provide a bit of moisture.  My hands felt clean and smooth after using this.

Truth Art Beauty Face Nourish:  I was not excited to see this in my box, as I don't like putting oil products on my face.  I just find the greasy feeling kind of gross.  So, needless to say, I haven't even tried this out yet:(

Birchbox Friendship Bracelet: This was a cute touch and something I might actually wear since I love pink!
 

 

 Incoco Nail Polish Applique

Anniversary Haul!

Tarte Radiant & Rested: Volume II kit

My wonderful husband of two years surprised me with a gorgeous Coach purse filled with goodies from Sephora for our anniversary.  He did so well, I just had to share with you what he got me!

I think my favorite so far is the Tarte Radiant & Rested: Volume II kit.  The kit features the Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum, Bright Side Double-Ended Eye Brightener, LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint in "Sweet", Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "Glisten", and Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in "Champagne".  I am really loving the blush, shimmering powder (great for highlighting), and the eye brightener.  I love how easy the eye brightener is to use; it has an end labeled "day" and one labeled "night".  You simply pull out the end you want to reveal a pointed sponge tip applicator that fits nicely into the inner corner of the eye.  Very quick and easy!

I also got the Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment, Urban Decay All Nighter makeup setting spray, and the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in "Midnight Cowboy".  I haven't gotten to test out the setting spray to see if it really helps my makeup to last better throughout the day, but I like the way it softly mists your face and drys quickly.  The 24/7 shadow is seriously budge-proof; once applied, it is not going anywhere until you wash it off!  I think I will be grabbing a few more of these.  And lastly, the Fresh lip tint is just as wonderful as the rest of the Fresh lip treatments; I was really happy to get this pretty, neutral shade.

Swatches L to R: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in "Midnight Cowboy; Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment; LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint in "Sweet"; Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "Glisten"; Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in "Champagne.