Welcome to my Birch Box review for the month of February! Now I know what you are all thinking...February? Yes, I know it is a little late. However, it has given me a chance to try out all the products, and give a thorough review.
If, you've never heard of Birch Box, let me fill you in on what has been missing from your life. Birch Box is a subscription, similar to a magazine, except you get a box every month filled with beauty sample goodies! When you sign up, you fill out an online profile that includes information like: skin tone, skin type, hair color, hair type, what you consider your style to be, etc. This way, the samples you get every month are specially picked out just for you! The products you get are usually well-known brands or ones that are up-and-coming in the beauty world. You also earn points, which allow you to receive discounts when buying full-size products through their online store. Sounds great, right? Well get this. It is only $10/month, including shipping! Awesome? Yes. Read more on their website!
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| COOLA Tinted/Matte SPF 30 For Face |
I was excited to try out this tinted moisturizer. As you can see from the photos (Before->After) it doesn't provide a ton of coverage. But, it does help reduce redness and even out your skin tone. This moisturizer is a super light formula, and it left my skin feeling silky soft. It might not be fit for date night, but it is perfect for lazy days or running errands. Another great thing about this product is the SPF 30, which is important for protecting my pale milky skin. Apply some COOLA to my face, spray some sea salt in my hair, and I'm ready for a day in the sun!
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| Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil |
I have found that hair oils and serums work best for my hair texture. I was super excited to try out a new one through Birch Box, because hair oils are usually pretty pricey (The full size of this product is $25.95, for 4 oz, ouch!). I applied (about a half-dollar size) of this product after washing, and towel-drying my hair (Pictured: top left). Having your hair wet when applying oil helps to dilute and spread around the product. (If applied when dry, you might end up with a patchy application and have spots that are too oily.) I then let my hair air dry completely. I sprayed my hair very lightly with hair spray just to give my natural curls a little extra hold. These photos were taken after dinner, a movie, and walking outside downtown. I am so pleased that this product kept me frizz-free the whole night. Not to mention, this oil smells like fresh-baked heaven. I wish I could post a picture of the frizzy mess my hair would be if I hadn't put this product in it, but I don't want to give anyone nightmares.
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| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette |
I was excited to try these eyeshades, but super sad that they are only one-time use. Although Birch Box usually sends sample-sizes, they usually aren't this "disposable." Since I only got to use them once, I thought date night would be a good opportunity. I used the matte palette (pictured in the bottom row, top row are shimmery shades). I enjoyed playing around with these neutrals, and I think they would look great on any skin tone. I wouldn't call myself an expert at applying eyeshadow (or photographing it for that matter), but I thought the look turned out great. | |
The two products below weren't included in my box, but I used them to complete my eye look. The first one is a crease brush. I got mine as part of a set from Sephora, but you can find them at any drugstore. The shape of the brush is perfect for a applying a shade to your crease, and then it does all the blending for you. Pictured to the right is Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Chocolate Brown. Lately I have been usually this in place of a jet black liner. It still gives my eyes the right amount of accent without the intensity of black liner. Great for a more casual or daytime look. |
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| Left: Sephora Crease Brush, Right: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner |
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| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara |
I love this mascara. It goes on smooth and thick without feeling heavy. It also has a fiber-hybrid formula to help give your lashes some extra length. The description says it "expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes," to which I would have to agree. See the photo above for evidence! If you just can't get enough of mascara reviews, you should check out this post by my friend, Hannah, on her blog Beauty Loves Company.
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| Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish in Kitten Heels |
Honestly, there wasn't anything too special about this polish. I didn't think the formula was worth it's full-size price of $10. If I'm paying that much I would rather get a shade from Essie or OPI. And I know what you are thinking, "but it is color changing!" I've been wearing this polish for a few weeks, and the color-changing element didn't work to well, it only changed slightly. I have paid much less for color-changing polish that worked 10x better. If anything, this pink shade is a great color for the upcoming spring season.
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| This is the information card for the products that were included in my Birch Box. |
I hope you all enjoyed my review! I can't wait to do another beauty review next month. I already got my box, and let me tell you, it is going to be good!
Laterbug Caiterbug.
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