JANUARY 2013 BIRCHBOX REVIEW
Yes, I realize that the blog has been waaaaay too quiet lately. I apologize. I have been drowning in reference books the past few weeks, preparing for a Bible study. (Truthfully, there  is NOTHING I’d rather be doing. I absolutely love that process of studying and writing. Wish that could be my job. I would do it all day everyday.) That project is over and done with now, and I am really excited to share some of what I learned. Because the process was so, so good and rich. I want you to taste it in the worst way. So, I’ll be working on condensing some of my notes to post on the blog. But, for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this little post that requires no exertion of your mind whatsoever. (*wink*)
My January Birchbox came last week, and I was really excited to see what was inside! Here’s a look:
Oscar Blandi | Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner: Really, I don’t need to try another shampoo. And when I do, I usually need to use it for longer than the amount they give you in the sample pack to decide if I like it or not. So, it was nice, but I didn’t notice any “instant” volumizing miracles. (Maybe I’m not in a very good mood for writing about beauty products right now…but still…) The full-sized product retails for $24 (each). Maybe you’ll get better results?
Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner: I was actually excited to try this one because I’ve never used a liquid eyeliner before. But, I wasn’t as impressed as I had hoped. The Birchbox “how to” says: “If you’re a liner novice, draw a few dots as close to your upper lashes as possible with the tip and then connect the dots. More advanced users can trace a single stroke across their lashline.” So, maybe I’m just not skilled at applying eyeliner. The product retails for $15. So, I’m gonna have to get better before I spring for a $15 eyeliner.
Nicole | by Nicole Richie: I feel like this is a heavier, more evening-dinner-cocktail party-formal type fragrance. Not that I know anything about fragrances, but that’s the type of thing I think I would save this one for. Full-size: $55
Embryolisse | Lait-Creme Concentre (24 Hour Miracle Cream): This stuff really is fantastic! I love it. I have been using it as a night-time moisturizer, but it also doubles as a makeup remover too. I haven’t tried it as a makeup remover, but the instructions say you can put a little on a cotton ball and gently rub your makeup off with it, rinse, and then cleanse. It is a rich moisturizer, yet not heavy feeling at all. Really do love this one. The full-sized product retails for $28 — a little pricey, but it is awesome.
Oscar Blandi | Pronto Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray: This is a great spray that you can apply either before or after blow drying to protect your hair from the hot styling tools you use. I know that this is really important for me because not only to I blow dry my hair 9 out of 10 days, I will also use either a flat iron or a curling iron in addition. I really loved this product. There was just one draw-back — and this is a huge one, especially for hair products — was the smell. Maybe it’s just me (but I don’t think so), but this one does not smell great. Now, I did only notice it as I was applying the product to my hair. I did not notice my hair smelling like that after I styled it. Otherwise, I would have only used it the one time. So, all in all, I like this one a lot too. It retails for $23 for a 4oz can.
 Well, there you have it! Sorry there weren’t any fun pictures with this one. But, it was a great box. To learn more about Birchbox, or to subscribe, click here. Here’s the low-down on how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free.) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! It’s so fun! Happy Sampling.
