Friday, May 8, 2015

Birchbox May 2015 Review - Elevate Everyday

My May Birchbox is here, and it was quite a surprise. They have been arriving earlier and earlier each month, and I am not complaining. I love Birchbox, I look forward to it each month, and I can't wait to see the samples picked out for me each month. I have already found some items that I cannot live without, and I love that each month may have even more. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box with five beauty samples for only $10. Also, if you review the items, you get a dollar for each one to spend in their store for full size items. I have already spend over $100 of my reward points on the items that I liked the best. 


This month Birchbox teamed up with Emily Schuman, who is a author of two books to help you become the best hostess and interior decorator you could've imagined. Her new book, "Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home," comes out this month, so be sure to pick it up. I looked at her first book, and it really isn't my style, but she has great ideas, and they all look attainable. You don't have to be the best chef, decorator, or baker to achieve her style. I love the box, and all the boxes lately have been in really fun designs. The sherbet color reminds me of early summer when the weather finally turns and dresses, sandals, and tank tops can finally come out of the closet. 


This month's theme is Cupcakes and Cashmere, which is basically the title of the book. This theme is all about how beauty products can change your mood instantly, mostly in a more luxurious and bubbly mood. These items are all picked to elevate your everyday life. I am all about that. I agree that certain products can make me feel so great, and splurging on those luxurious products are always completely worth it. Each time I use my favorite beauty items, I feel so much better. This box is definitely getting me in the mood for late spring and all the sweets that it brings along.


PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray

$24.00 - 4.9 fl oz         

I've seen this as a sample choice a few month's ago, and while I was torn between this and another sample, I am glad that I eventually received this item. I've been getting a lot of salt spray in my boxes these last few months, but I'm not complaining. I love the effortless waves they create, just like I was at the beach all day. And at this rate, I won't ever have to actually purchase a full size bottle. This sea salt spray smells great, it reminds me of mango (YUM!). I sprayed this all over my dry hair and with my fingers I scrunched and swirled, which gave my hair just the perfect amount of wave. My hair in normally completely pin straight, so this is an easy way to give it some volume. I could feel the product in my hair all day, like a texturing spray or hair spray, which I didn't love, but I know products can't be perfect. Overall, I am all about this product, and will definitely use it to the last drop.


Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer

$36.00 - 1.7 fl oz         

This product was my sample choice for the month. I picked it because there wasn't anything else I was too excited about, and it is something that I would definitely use. Also, last month I didn't pick any of the products and received a poorly curated box. I felt like my lack of voice was the culprit to their neglect. So, back to the sample. I am all about face creams, which is how Birchbox explains to use this product. I thought I would love the smell more, but I don't hate it. I love the natural fruity scent, but it smells a little like cheap sugar scented fakeness, which doesn't represent their brand at all. This sample seems large, but the container is half full. I had to squeeze so hard for the first drop to come out. I feel a little cheated. But, the product itself is nice. It is light, which is perfect for late spring, and left my face smooth and moisturized. This item is definitely a luxurious splurge. 




$15.95 - 8 oz            

Everyone loves this brand. Everyone except me. I've received two hair products in the past from this brand, and while the leave in conditioner was alright, I did not care for the hair oil. I am hoping that because this is a body product, I may feel differently. I tried out this body wash, and while I like it, it wasn't anything special. The suds were lighter, but I did love the cotton candy smell. I am usually not into cheap, sugary smells, but this smells more exotic and summery. I feel like it cleaned nicely, but I won't purchase the full size item. It just wasn't special enough. I will save this for rainy days or when I need a little boost in my day, though. 



$18.00 - 3 g         

I have become a huge fan of all benefit products. Their packaging is always really cute and the ingredients are always high quality. I've received Benefit's Lollitint before with my Ipsy subscription, and while I liked that product, this is much better for me. I love the moisture mixed in with the tint, because without it my lips are DRY. Even in the summer. I love how this cheery color goes along with this month's girly and luscious theme. But, I've already received it before in another product, and it would be the last I would choose on my own. Bubblegum pink, coral, red, seriously anything other than purplish pink. Otherwise, I am very happy with this product and will be keeping it in my purse for all the showers and weddings in my future. Plus, it is a deluxe sample. 



$70.00 - 1.7 oz            

I am always excited to receive perfume samples in my Birchbox, because I have been looking for a new scent for over a year. At first impression, this is a little heavy for me. I'm into fresher, citrus smells mostly. I wore it around for an entire day, though, and it really grew on me. It smells really luxurious, and would fit perfectly for an elegant wedding. Plus, I noticed the citrus and woodsy tones (both things I really like). I even got over the matronly powder smell. This really does transform my mood and is a fun change. I am happy that this sample also goes along with the theme and elevated my simple day. 


I am super happy with this month's box. Surprisingly my least favorite item was the one I selected on my own. I have not been having the best luck with my last few boxes, and have been really upset with what Birchbox has been selecting for me. They must have gotten the message, because this box completely turned everything around. I will use each and every one of these products. I estimate this month's box to be worth $30.87. I only spent $10 and I get $5 to spend in the shop, so I made out $25 worth of high end beauty products. Each box is really a great deal. 


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