March Birchbox Review: Harvey Prince Signature Fragrance and Number 4 Reconstructing Masque

After reading the description for the Signature fragrance by Harvey Prince, I should have known it wouldn't be my cup of tea. If you've read my other fragrance posts, I tend to go for certain types of scents, those mostly containing strong rose or peony notes. But never less, not one to waste ANYTHING, I proceeded on to use it. The scent wasn't awful by any means, I mean I did make it through the whole sample, it just wasn't something I would consider purchasing and want to wear constantly. The fragrance did have a really strong staying power. Imagine that, a scent that is not my fave holding on to my skin so I'm forced to smell it all day LOL. As with any scent, the way it smells on me or my tastes will be very different from anyone else, so don't necessarily rule it out because I didn't like it. That's why samples are great! You get to try it out for a week or so and really smell it to finally come to a decision! A plus about this fragrance (on the Birchbox site, I haven't checked others) is that it comes in different sizes. A smaller version to throw in your bag or for travel and a larger one to sit atop your vanity!

Now on to my favorite item in the March box, the Number 4 Reconstructing Masque. I had heard and read many amazing reviews about this product line in general that I was very eager to try it myself. Well, I absolutely loved everything about this hair product! The scent, the consistency, how my hair felt after......EVERYTHING!! My hair was so soft after just one use that I was amazed. What else was amazing was how little of the product I actually used. I was pretty bummed when I first saw the sample because I thought I would barely get one use out of it. However on the back of the package it said a little goes a long way, so I tried out that method, and it worked!! So not only did I find my new go to hair masque, but the fact that you only need a little bit made me feel better about the price! If you haven't tried the Number 4 hair care line yet, you should!     

February Birchbox Review: theBalm Read My Lips and Sumita Eyeliner

So if you know don't know anything about Birchobox, they put together monthly boxes of beauty and hair products for consumers to sample for $10 (plus many other perks). On top of that, each month there is a curated box that a company or person puts together with their favorite products. So for February I picked the Rent the Runway curated box and was so excited about most of the products going into it, but the gloss was one I wasn't sure of. I have used theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen and fell in love so I knew theBalm brand was good, I just wasn't sure of the color BAM! (a rose pink) in the Read My Lips Lip Gloss. In fact, I'm still not sure. I have worn it a couple of times and I'm just not loving the color on me. It is a little too rosey for my liking and makes me feel a little dated. The color is very pigmented, ultra shiny and pretty weightless once applied. The gloss also isn't very sticky and smells great! Maybe it will look better in the summer with a tan, but I would definitely try a couple of the five other colors they have. By the way, how cute are the names of the Read My Lips Glosses?!? BAM!, WOW!, POP!, etc......straight out of a comic book and a good play on "Read My Lips"!! 

Below is the Sumita Contrast Eyeliner in Raina. I am not going to talk too much about it because I just did a post on this eyeliner in Jaipur Gold in January so pretty much the same things apply. It's a great bold ocean blue to navy color that really lasts. The only complaint, same as the other color, is that it is only available in a set on Birchbox (I haven't checked other places). I love how easily it glides on and the colors are super fun and some even daring, well for me! 

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February Birchbox Review: Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo

So I must admit, I am not a dry shampoo user. I tried one once, though I must have been traumatized from the white reside it left that I can't even remember the name. Now I know there are people that use it religiously, but I just haven't ever jumped on the wagon. Maybe for fear that I'll never get off the wagon or that I will have skunk like steaks in my hair.....hahaha! Hesitantly, I used the Fekkai Dry Shampoo, as directed, on two day unwashed hair, and it did what was indicated. It absorbed excess oil, made my hair feel a lot softer and more manageable, plus it really did smell great. I'm sure it is something that would be useful in my hair care arsenal since I wash my hair every two days or so. But, is it a must have for me? Still undecided. I will keep using the one I have until it's out and see if panic strikes when I realize it's gone! By the way, how cute was the Rent the Runway box? I loved the floral motif and most of the products!

January Birchbox Review: Sumita Contrast Eyeliner in Jaipur Gold

Now I have to admit, when I first saw this eyeliner in my box, I wasn't too thrilled. I love a good eyeliner, but I wasn't so sure of the color. That was until I first swatched the Jaipur Gold color on my hand. I noticed it was a greenish brown with gold sparkles in it. It immediately made me think of my hazel eyes and that it could potentially bring out their color. And that it did, especially on my lower lash line. The gold really made my eyes pop and brought out the greener side that rarely shows (the picture doesn't really show it at all). Also, it has real staying power. The spot that I swatched on my hand last through T-25 and me trying to rub it off (see the video). It glides on easily which is also another plus. The only downside is that I didn't see it sold solo on Birchbox, but in the East Meets West set (also gorgeous colors). I will definitely have to purchase this eyeliner even if the set is the only way I can get it (I wouldn't mind though). Sumita also has some other really fun, bright, and daring colors to check out if this color isn't your style. They are sure to be bold and last through the night!  

December Birchbox Review: RUFFIAN Red Nail Lacquer and Custom NCLA nail wraps

The classic color red has been particularly huge this season. You can't walk out the door and not see someone with red lips, accessories, or nails, myself included. The best thing about this classic color is that it never goes out of style. It has been around for years and isn't going anywhere anytime soon! Before the Birchbox option (in December), I was actually thinking about the fact that I was obsessed with red, yet did not have a classic red nail polish. I had various different shades, but not a true red. I knew I had to have one this holiday season, then the sample choices came out. Birchbox, and Lo Bosworth, had read my mind. In the Lo Bosworth curated box was the most beautiful and classic shade of red nail lacquer that I could ever hope for. It was by RUFFIAN, a brand I became familiar with this summer when I received a rose gold polish and loved that one, so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. The RUFFIAN Red was just as beautiful on as it is in the bottle. The color was so glossy and is such a classic color. The RUFFIAN nail lacquers are also made to last. I usually have problems with my nails chipping almost instantly, but that's not the case with these. I can usually go a week or two without any chips! I also paired my RUFFIAN Red with some custom nail wraps I created by ncLA. They have an amazing app, myNCLA, that lets you customize your own nail wraps with pictures you have taken. The possibilities are endless and you can have something that is truly one of a kind. I used the flowers my husband gave me for our two year wedding anniversary for my first wraps. Flowers always die and this way I can wear them anytime I want to see them! They go on very easy and last longer than some of the other nail wraps I've tried. They have pre-made ones you can purchase from their website if the customization route isn't for you. Definitely check them out if you love nail wraps and want some really neat and trendy designs!    

December Birchbox Review: Davines Replumping Hair Filler

I have been a huge fan of Davines hair products since working at a prestigious hair salon back home when I was in school. It was so great learning about the new products that would come out and get to test them out before they hit the shelves. There were many products that I would often try and fall in love with. Actually, one of the first things I did when moving out here was to find a place that sold Davines products. Told you, huge fan! Their products always smell so great and work so well! So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this new (to me) Davines replumpling line was going to be in the Lo Bosworth curated Birchbox. Like the other products I have tried, it did not disappoint. It smelled wonderful and worked rather well too. I wish the shampoo and conditioner were a little bigger to get more use out of the whole line together, but the Superactive spray is working great on its own. It adds volume to my hair and makes it very soft. Plus, one treatment lasts about six to eight shampoos which helps if you think it's a little on the pricey side. I may not purchase the shampoo and conditioner because there are a couple of others by Davines that I love, but the replumpling spray will be a must have for me.     

December Birchbox Review: Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain

I am such a huge fan of any sort of lip product. I often have two or three (not counting chap sticks) different products with me at all times and switch them out on an almost daily basis. Hello, my name is Casey and I have a lip addiction. That's why I decided to review this item from my Lo Bosworth curated Birchbox first, well that and the fact that I got my hair done today! I just love this Cynthia Rowley Lip Stain. I received it in the color heartthrob, but there are five other colors available if this one doesn't suit your tastes. The stain, like the name states, goes on super creamy. It feels so soft and smooth going on your lips. Then there is the color. Personally I am loving reds right now (like everyone else following the trend) and this one is perfect. If you aren't sure if red is good for you, which trust me it probably is, you can do one light coat for a more light and subtle hue. But, if you decide you want to go bold, you can do another layer or two for a brighter pop of color. It continues to feel creamy well after use too. These lip stains are also paragon free, vegan, and cruelty free.....always a huge plus! Thank you Lo for a great holiday pick!    

November Birchbox Review: Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask

I absolutely love face masks! I use one 1-2 times a week while relaxing in the tub with a book, so I was super excited to try the Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask. I hadn't heard of this brand at all which I love the most about Birchbox! It is great finding new product lines, even if the particular product doesn't work for you, something else might! The Cuppa Cuppa mask felt great on! Once applied, I started to feel a cool yet tingling feeling all over my face. After waiting the 8 minutes, in which I enjoyed a cup of loose leaf tea, I rinsed and my skin felt amazing. I noticed my skin was very soft and extremely hydrated. The only benefit I haven't really noticed is the skin firming aspect of it. I saw some people commented that they saw results after just one use, but sadly I did not. I still have a little more to use so hopefully I will notice it before I use it up. As for a future purchase, I am on the fence. While my skin felt great, without the firming I don't know if $58 would be worth it to me. I am not giving up just yet though!  

November Birchbox Review: Dang Toasted Coconut Chips

You may be looking at this post and wondering what is has to do with Birchbox. Well, everyone got a little edible treat in their boxes this month and mine happened to be the Dang Toasted Coconut Chips. I was soooo excited when I saw these were coming (yes I'm notorious for peeking at what's in my box before it gets here) because I have had them before and absolutely love them! If you follow my Instagram you might have noticed this picture of them months ago! While I have only tried the original flavor, they have other flavors such as caramel sea salt and dark chocolate covered coconut chips (I recently purchased the chocolate covered one, but haven't tried it)! They are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free for anyone with certain dietary needs. They are also a great source of fiber and keep you full with just a handful. I loved the individual pack (which I've never seen before). It would be perfect for throwing in your bag and going. I'm eating mine while reading the November Book Club book Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I just recently started it, but so far it is as humorous as you would expect from Ms. Poehler! I look forward to seeing how the rest of the book pans out! 

October Birchbox Review: Dr. Brandt Vacuum Cleaner

As you can see from my above photo, I have been a fan of the Pores No More line from Dr. Brandt for a little bit now. I absolutely love this line because it really keeps my pores small to nonexistent. The vacuum cleaner works as one of those pore strips that you rip off your face except without the pain. It goes on super silky smooth and as it dries, you can feel it tingling in a way that you just know your pores are tightening. It's a little hard to tell, but in the picture below, you can see little white dots where the pores have been "vacuumed" of all their dirt and oil. If you used it a few times a week for a  couple weeks, you will see a noticeable difference. When I go out, I also use the Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer and it is amazing. It is like a personal filter for your face. Like the texture of the vacuum cleaner, it goes on silky smooth and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. I definitely love the combination of these two products! Now as for the price, $45 may seem a little steep. I can assure you though, it lasts forever. My samples are .25 of an ounce and have lasted so long. I will definitely buy this product if I ever run out!

Birchbox SoHo

Last weekend it was absolutely gorgeous out so we decided to go to the city. Since I hadn't been to the actual Birchbox store yet, it was my main focus! You would've thought it was my first time going shopping in a make-up store with how excited I was. It was a little embarrassing to say the least! We got there a few minutes before they opened so I tried to play it cool when they opened the doors like "yeah I'm totally not waiting to come in or anything". I know, I'm a super dork. We had the store to ourselves for a little bit while looking around which was so nice. The staff was super friendly and the store looked impeccable! I was in awe! We looked at absolutely everything there was. I loved the store, but I don't think my husband was too impressed. The men's section was pretty small and men can't build a box for themselves unless they want to build a women's box (which I don't recommend, you'll see why in a minute).  

My husband and I both have Birchbox subscriptions and love them, so I had to build a box for myself while we were there. For the most part I loved everything I picked, however, there are a couple complaints I have. I didn't understand why it was more expensive to build you own box when you get the same amount of products. I also didn't care for the fact that you had to pick something from each section (body & nails, skincare, fragrance, hair, and makeup). I could've done without the fragrance and body & nails selections and gotten a couple other things I wanted, but oh well, it was still fun to do. They were also doing a gift with purchase so I got to pick the Green Apple Peel by Juice Beauty as my selection which was nice! Overall I did love it and look forward to going back, especially with the holidays coming up! If you have a chance to go you definitely should! 

My Picks:

Green Apple Peel Sensitive by Juice Beauty (gift with purchase)

Body & Nails, OPI Sheer Tints-I'm Never Amberrassed 

Skincare, clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant 

Fragrance, English Laundry-Signature for Her

Hair, Macadamia Professional Healing Oil Treatment

Makeup, LAQA & Co. Fat Lip Pencil-Ring of Fire

October Birchbox Review: Camille Beckman Tuscan Honey Hand Therapy

In my August Birchbox I received the Harvey Prince Body Cream and stated in my post that I am really not a good person to review lotions because I hardly use them. Well, while I still don't think I can do a review that would do the product justice, I have started using lotions more. This lotion by Camille Beckman is wonderful! I have been using it constantly seeing as the weather has been getting a little more dry and I have needed the moisture! It is slightly think, but absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving it nice and soft, not greasy. I also love the smell. It isn't too overpowering, but has a nice subtle fragrance. It comes in three other scents besides the Tuscan Honey that I received, so if you like the hand cream, but not the scent, there are other options. And just look at that packaging! It is the cutest thing I have seen! While the actual product isn't packages the same (it comes in a squeeze bottle), it is still perfect for throwing in you purse. As I am learning that I need a little bit of everything in my purse for trips to the city, this will come in handy! Speaking of going to the city, stay tuned next week for my trip to the Birchbox store in SoHo! I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week! 

October Birchbox Review: ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick

I had been looking for a nude lipstick for quite some time. I always saw ones that other people recommended or pinned on Pinterest, but I was always too hesitant to try one. Normally I go for a ip balm with a hint of color (Sugar is my fave, I have many colors), a lip stain in a pink color (Stainiac from Birchbox is my fave), or something bold like hot pink (my fave in this category is Make Up Forever lip liner 16C bright fuchsia pink  with lip gloss S26 pearly electric rose on top). Nude just wasn't my thing. I didn't know where I would wear it to buy an expensive one, yet if I went to a drugstore, I never liked any of the shades. It was quite the conundrum, so I just gave up and stuck with what I already knew and loved. As a matter of fact, the first time I put on the ModelCo lipstick (in Kitty) I hated it. It wasn't my first choice, but the other lip glosses were taken, so I was like great I'm stuck with this. A few days later, I was looking through Pinterest (surprisingly as much as I mention Pinterest I'm not on it that much anymore lol) and saw pictures of smokey eyes and nude lips. A trend I was familiar with, but hadn't tried. The pics gave me inspiration so I decided to play around. I mean what could it hurt right? My whole face was done, except for my lips. I grabbed the lipstick with a "let's get this over with" attitude, but looked closer as I was applying it and was pleasantly surprised with what I was seeing.......I loved it!!!!! I don't know what happened from the first time I tried it to this time, maybe the smokey eye, maybe taking more care in applying it, but I loved it! The color looked great, the lipstick felt great, and it had a lovely scent to it that I can't place (sort of like strawberry bubblegum). When my sample runs out (it's pretty substantial so it might be awhile) I will definitely have to get this! Below are the smokey eye with the lipstick in Kitty looks! Enjoy the rest of your week!    

October Birchbox Review: SAGE + fasten Onward Eau de Parfum

Well it's Wednesday and that means the week is halfway over and it's Birchbox product review day! Now if you read my review of the Catherine Maladrino Style de Paris perfume, you would know that I go for scents that have strong rose and slight peony notes to them. So, I had low expectations that I would like the scent I received this month by Sage + fasten. However, I'm not one to just bypass an item without trying it. I put it on before leaving the house for a hike and was pleasantly surprised. I loved it! The Sage + fasten Onward Eau de Parfum smelled so refreshing and light. I could really smell the apple and grapefruit notes coming through. I kept smelling my wrist all day which is how long it lasted. I could still smell the fragrance at least 6 hours later (I forgot to check after that, but I know it was at least that long). This will definitely be a must purchase for me.....hint, hint hubby! It just goes to show that you never know what you will like until you try it! 

September Birchbox Review: Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask

I know Halloween is getting closer, but the picture of me below (courtesy of my husband who was giggling like a girl) is not a scary mask I'm trying in preparation. It is the Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask that I received in last month's Birchbox. I had never used a mask like this before, so when I took it out, I was a little stunned and excited. First of all, the weight of it was heavier than I would have imagined. I'm sure that isn't the case for all these types of masks, but I was surprised. Secondly, I had to lay down because it would slide all over the place. Even laying down it would move a little if I moved ever so slightly. And lastly, it was a little big for my face. You can notice by my chin that the mask is a little loose and just hanging there. All that being said, I loved it! I did notice a bit of a difference after the one use and my skin felt so refreshed. I wish I had gotten another one or two to see what the continual difference would be, but that just means I'll have to buy them and see for myself! I'm always in the market for a good mask and I think this one will do! You can buy them individually or in a set of five (more cost effective), making it nice to have options. I highly recommend this mask for you and your pores today!

September Birchbox Review: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Happy Birchbox review Wednesday! It may be weird, but I love skin care. Nothing is more satisfying to me than to keep my skin as nice as possible so I don't need to cake on the make up to cover it up. Plus, I often get mistaken for someone 5+ years younger so I have to be doing something right besides having pretty good genes in that area. Now with the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, I'm sort of on the fence. I had recently started using an oil facial cleanser, so putting this on my face dry wasn't something new. I had also used a microdermabrasion mitt before, so the thought of using a cloth wasn't anything new. I knew going into it the product specified that it was a soft cloth, I guess I just wished I felt a little more exfoliation from it. Also, the instructions said to wash it every 2-3 uses. Well I'm not lazy, but if you use it morning and night, you are washing the cloth every day to every other day. That is a little excessive to me. I know you need to keep it clean, but it's just a lot. Now it did make my face purge at first, but it has cleared up and started looking really good toward the end of the week. I have a nice glow and my pores do look smaller. I'm just not sure it there is a difference in my skins appearance from what I was already using. In a couple days, when my sample is out, I will return to my oil cleanser and see if my skin changes at all. That will probably be the deciding factor for me! Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!