So I may be a little late reviewing my April Birchbox, but since this box was chock-full of really interesting products, I have to share it with you. As you can see from the photo, Birchbox totally spoiled me during my blog’s birthday month (I provided the cupcake, though!) and the box, by Rifle Paper, was extra gorgeous (this is a box I won’t be throwing out). P.S. As I sit here writing my review, I’m pampering my skin with Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, which is 100% natural and non-toxic. It only feels appropriate to indulge in beauty as I write about it, right? Stay tuned for the full review! For now read all about my favorite (and least favorite) Birchbox samples, and sign-up here if you want your own Birchbox.
The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick: Let’s start with my favorite sample from the whole box, this creamy lip crayon by a little known brand called The Beauty Crop. The lipstick is so cute and smells like strawberry jelly. I wear it almost everyday and it lasts for at least 2-3 hours even after I eat or drink. Sometimes I blend it in with another lipstick to change things up a bit. The best part is it’s hydrating; some lipsticks emphasize chapped lips but this one smooths them out. I’d love to try more products from this brand.
Dr. Jart+ Liftra™ Contour Cream: I was shocked when I heard such a product existed. Contour cream? Really? What has Kim Kardashian done to this world? But just listen. This product actually lifts and defines your skin so you don’t need to waste time watching YouTube tutorials on how to contour your face. I used the product a handful of times before going to sleep and my skin, especially the area around my mouth and eyes, looks smoother and firmer in the morning.
English Laundry Notting Hill Femme Eau de Parfum: Like a lot of Birchboxers, perfume samples are my least favorite. I prefer to choose my own scents (lately I’m loving Valentino’s Donna, Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb, and Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Now – don’t judge!). This one smells a bit too much like something a grandmother would wear.
Au Naturale Cosmetics Trio Set: I was so excited to receive this adorable organic set consisting or lip color, eyeshadow, and blush. But the sample itself is so tiny it’s almost impossible to use – it’s basically kids-sized. I managed to try the cream blush in Palermo, which I loved; the orange shade is super flattering and adds a summery glow. I may end up buying the full size. I used my finger (ew!) to try the sangria lip color, and I wasn’t a huge fan. Maybe if the sample were larger I could better assess whether it’s for me. We’ll see if I have any success trying the eyeshadow, which also has a creamy texture.
Davines OI All in One Milk: I’ve used other Davines samples before, but I didn’t expect to love this product so much. It gave my curly hair a smooth, salon-style blowout that’s lasted several days. I used it in conjunction with the shampoo and conditioner so that might’ve helped too.
Davines OI Shampoo – Absolute Beautifying Shampoo: Since I color my hair, I’m very particular about what shampoo I use (color-safe shampoo or bust), but I decided to give this a try because I hate having unused samples and this one was at least paraben and sulfate-free. I’ll start by saying the shampoo smells really good. The texture is thicker than the shampoos I currently use so my a little went a long way. It also didn’t give me any dandruff, which if you’re like me and keep your blowouts for days at a time, is always a bonus. My hair felt smooth and soft afterwards when I straightened it.
Davines OI Conditioner – Absolute Beautifying Conditioner: I used this sample following the Davines shampoo and though it had a more masculine scent, I thought it was still a decent conditioner. I tend to judge shampoos and conditioners based on my blowout afterwards and I’ll say that this conditioner didn’t weigh down my hair or leave it gunky so my blowout was able to last for several days!
