Birchbox February 2013

The Theme:

Red Carpet Ready

(* from the February Birchbox 2013 post card)

I am so please with this box this month!!!   I love BB creams, new fragrances, lush mascaras and hair care, and I LOVE chocolate.  

I'm excited about every single one of these products and can't wait to give reviews on each product.

What's Inside My Birchbox:

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm

*From the brand that brought BB creams to the U.S. this gold-standard formulation has mineral SPF 25 and a satiny, matte finish.

*Full Size, $36

Juicy Couture Courture La La

* Roll out the red carpet for this new scent, a stunning mix of mandarin, red currant, lily, and orange blossom.

*Full-size, $19-90

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara

* Steal the proverbial spotlight with Lancome's latest winner.  The S-shaped brush defines each lash-even the tiny ones in the corner of your eyes.

*Full-size, $27

Ojon damage reverse Restorative Finishing Spray

*Repair damage with this healing spray, which delivers weightless hold and strengthens strands.

*Full-size, $25

TREAT!!! : A treat from Ghirardelli: You deserve a little sweetness. Try Ghirardelli's Milk & Caramel Square or experiment - s'mores or baked into a cookie.  Who says you can't riff on decadence?

Loving February & Birchbox,

Heather

Birchbox January 2013

I finally received my Birchbox yesterday.   For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a monthly subscription box and within each box will be samples of all sorts of products to try.  In return, for trying all of the products, you review them.   There is also a point system.... points for reviewing products, points for inviting friends and points for shopping on their site.... for every 100 points that you earn....that is the equivalent to $10.  This is pretty simple.

While I've been pretty stoked about this box, my first impression hasn't been that great.  First it was late and then my box was incomplete, but luckily they have an awesome customer service department that sent me e-mails to tell me what happened and also gave me 100 points towards my profile.  So I'm definitely not too upset.  

What's in my Box?

AMIKA : Color pHerfection Shampoo

*This gentle shampoo contains fortifying omega acids and healing sea buckthorn berry oil to keep your hair color bright and shiny.

*Full-size, $22

This smells amazing....the size of the sample I wish was a real travel size so that I could try it longer and I wish that they would send the conditioner with it, but it smells great...very fresh and clean smelling.  

Clark's Botanical : Smoothing Marine Cream

* Dull skin no more, thanks to glycolic acid in this exfoliating moisturizer.  

* The gentle tingle means it's working.

*Full-size, $115

This is a perfect sample size with great packaging.  The packaging reminds me of C.O. Bigelow product packaging.  Super excited to try this and scared at the same time because that full size price is mighty scary.

Harvey Prince : Skinny Chic

* Keep your energy levels high ( and fight cravings to boot) with this zesty blend of apple, mint, and lotus blossom.

* Full-size, $21-55

I don't know if this will fight my cravings or not, but this is my kind of fragrance.  It smells amazing and works great with my chemistry.... I think this might have to be a new Spring/Summer fragrance for me.  The sample size is a normal sample size that you would get from any fragrance counter.

theBalm Cosmetics : Put a lid on it Eye Primer

*Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.

* Full-size, $18

  

They obviously know about my primer obsession and the fact that I like companies like theBalm.  I'm very excited about this one and the sample size is perfect.

BEAUTY EXTRA:

100% Pure: Nourishing Body Cream

* This skin-friendly moisturizer is made exclusively from 100 percent vegan, organic ingredients.  Not that you need an excuse to slather it on.

* Full-size, $15

Now while I'm really excited about this product, if you are going to send out samples of your moisturizers, don't send them out in packs.  I really want the opportunity to try your product for more than a day.  Pacifica sent out their samples this year and they were an actual travel size.

I'll be reviewing these throughout the month of February separately....

....Birchbox

Heather

Argan Oil: Josie Maran and Organix

In the month of January, I've been trying all sorts of products, products for my hair, skin and nails.  

The biggest trend in hair, skin and nails is Argan Oil or "liquid gold".  This oil helps with anti-aging because of the high level of Vitamin E, it helps with the healing of the skin, such as : Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and the reduction of scars and it also helps to protect your hair, skin and nails.  This oil basically sounds like "magic beans" for beauty right?   Every woman looks for that product that can do it all and this claims to be that.

The products that I purchased are:

Josie Maran - 100% Pure Argan Oil to Go

* This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

* Uses - Fast absorbing daily moisturizer

Heal or condition everything from cuticles, split ends and acne. (Josie Maran Cosmetics.com)

*Clinically proven to improve skin hydration and skin elasticity in only 4 weeks.  

Participants saw a visible reduction in course wrinkle and fine lines in the eye area.

83% of women showed significantly improved skin hydration. (Sephora.com)

* $14 to go ranging up to $96 full size (Sephora)

IMPRESSION:  I love this product.  I've used this product on it's own on my skin after showering and it feels amazing and makes my skin feel amazing and it gave a nice glow.  I mixed it in with my favorite Olay lotion for that extra moisture so that my lotion would go just a bit further.  My favorite use for this right now is in my hair.  I have really long, ombre dyed hair and this product keeps my hair looking fantastic.  It's shines and I've seen less split ends than ever.  Now, because I've been using the Meaningful Beauty products for my daily skin care I haven't tried this on my face as a moisturizer... yet...., but I might just have to invest in one of the Josie Maran Value Kits.

Organix - Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

* Rare formula has centuries old history of providing natural Vitamin E and antioxidants while renewing your hair's cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness.

*  Indulge the senses with this precious blend of Moroccan Oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine while strengthening.  This renewing formula is free of sulfates and parabens, and is safe for color treated hair.  

*Shampoo and Conditioner will restore moisture to dry hair, protect from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. (organixhair.com)

* $6.99 per at most drugstores and Walmart

IMPRESSIONS:  I have a combination scalp, just like my skin, it ranges from normal to dry.  So many shampoo products have dried my scalp and hair out and it's just not pretty. I also have combination hair because I have fine textured hair, but I have a lot of it and so many products weigh my hair down and make it look flat. This product is now my favorite set of Shampoo and Conditioner.  It smells amazing and my hair has never looked so healthy and full.  I've been using this product all month long and I am almost out.  The great thing about these products is that they are affordable.  If you shop at Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid there will usually be some sort of BOGO deal, which I really like.  I will probably repurchase these at some point.  My hair products, like my skin care products change from month to month.

Loving Argan Oil,

Heather